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Hampton University's comeback falls short vs. Towson in CAA tourney
Michael Eley's 23 second-half points weren't enough as the Pirates' season ends in the first round.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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The Hampton University men's basketball team's season came to an end with a 74-68 loss to Towson in the first round of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament. Despite a strong second-half comeback led by Michael Eley's 23 points, the Pirates were unable to overcome Towson's early 23-point lead.
Why it matters
Hampton University's men's basketball team has been working to rebuild its program under coach Ivan Thomas, and this early tournament exit is a setback in that process. The CAA is a competitive mid-major conference, and Towson's victory shows the work still ahead for the Pirates to become a consistent contender.
The details
Towson's all-conference guards Tyler Tejada and Dylan Williamson combined for 55 points to lead the Tigers to victory. Hampton trailed by as many as 23 points in the second half before mounting a late comeback, but ultimately ran out of time. Michael Eley scored all 23 of his points in the second half to spark the Pirates' rally.
- The game was played on March 7, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
- Towson advanced to the CAA quarterfinals, which will be played on March 8, 2026.
The players
Michael Eley
A Hampton University player who scored 23 points in the second half to lead the Pirates' comeback effort.
Tyler Tejada
An all-conference guard for Towson who scored a game-high 35 points.
Dylan Williamson
An all-conference guard for Towson who scored 20 points.
Ivan Thomas
The head coach of the Hampton University men's basketball team, in his second season.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
Hampton University's men's basketball team has work to do to become a consistent contender in the CAA, but this tournament loss shows the potential for the program to bounce back with a strong second-half performance led by Michael Eley.
