Preview: Sacred Heart Pioneers at Towson Tigers TOWSON, Md. (Interstat) — The Towson Tigers look to build on a historic offensive performance when they host the Sacred Heart Pioneers in a nonconference men’s basketball game Monday at SECU Arena. Towson (7-5) is coming off a 107-60 rout of Notre Dame on Friday, a victory that marked the program’s highest point total against a major-conference opponent. The Tigers shot 60% from the field and forced 18 turnovers in the dominant win. Sacred Heart (5-7) also enters on a high note, having defeated Dartmouth 85-63 on Friday. The Pioneers have shown a pattern of following losses with wins, having not dropped consecutive games since late November. A key matchup will feature the backcourts, led by each team’s top playmaker. Sacred Heart’s Mekhi Conner is averaging 15.0 points and 8.0 assists over his last three games, including a 21-point, 10-assist double-double against Dartmouth. The junior guard has recorded at least seven assists in five of his last six contests. For Towson, sophomore Tyler Coleman provides a scoring spark. He tallied a season-high 19 points in just 23 minutes off the bench in the win over Notre Dame. Coleman’s production has been volatile, however, as he was held scoreless in 13 minutes in a loss at Kansas three days prior. The Tigers have been strong at home, posting a 5-1 record at SECU Arena this season. Their defense has been a cornerstone, holding opponents to an average of 58.8 points in those victories. Sacred Heart, which begins Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play next week, has struggled on the road with a 1-6 mark away from home. The Pioneers’ offense, which averages 75.8 points per game, will be tested by Towson’s physical defense. This is the first meeting between the programs. Following this game, Towson begins Coastal Athletic Association play at William & Mary on Dec. 29. Sacred Heart opens its MAAC schedule at home against Merrimack on the same date. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Monday.