With his team giving a half-hearted effort in practice a few weeks ago, Morgan State men?s basketball coach Todd Bozeman stopped everything and questioned his players? commitment and desire to improve.
The players apparently got the message. The Bears (8-11, 6-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) have reeled off four straight conference wins ? their longest winning streak in two years ? including a 66-53 win at Howard Monday. The team will try to extend its streak Saturday when it plays at non-conference Longwood (7-17).
Morgan State is currently in third place in the MEAC, two games behind first-place and defending regular-season champion Delaware State (11-10, 8-1). The Hornets beat the Bears, 68-61, on Jan. 8 at Hill Field House. Morgan State will get its chance at revenge Monday when it travels to Dover for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
“The guys are playing with more confidence,” Bozeman said. “Each player is accepting their role, and the veteran players are taking a larger leadership role. By no means do I feel like we have arrived, but we are becoming a better team and playing better basketball.”
Part of Morgan State?s recent success can be attributed to its balanced playing rotation. Four Bears are averaging at least 10 points a game, and seven players average at least 17 minutes a contest.
Among thekey contributors over the last four games is junior guard Jamar Smith (11.4 ppg), who is their first player coming off the bench. Senior forward Ronald Timus continues to lead the team in scoring at 14.3 points a game.
Bozeman said he not only credits his players but also the work of his assistant coaches, who have spent extra time working with individuals with their games.
Senior guard Joseph McLean said one of the biggest difference in this team compared to last year?s 4-26 squad is the overall attitude of the players.
“Right now, Coach Bozeman has us going out there and having fun, and he is also doing a great job not only being a father figure but relating to us, as well,” McLean said.
Bear notes
» Morgan State is currently third in the MEAC in scoring offense (69.1) and eighth in the 11-team league in scoring defense (73.7).
» The Bears lead the conference in blocked shots per game (3.68) and third in assists (13.26).
» Bears senior forward Ronald Timus is ninth in the MEAC in scoring (14.3 ppg), junior forward Boubacar Coly is fifth in rebounding (6.6) and Jerrel Green is second in assists per game (3.9).
