Men's basketball team loses on controversial last-second shot

The Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team lost a controversial conference game Saturday at Titan Field House.

It looked as if Andres Burney would beat St. Petersburg College for the second straight time as the sophomore forward hit two free throws with 4.9 seconds remaining to give Eastern Florida State College a 61-60 lead.

But Brenden Williams got the ball and took a shot as the clock hit zero, ball was tipped at the rim and went in. The refs met after and declared the basket was good, giving St. Petersburg College the 62-61 win for their first conference win.

Eastern Florida State College trailed early but a couple of baskets by Burney gave the Titans a 19-15 lead. AJ Dixon hit a 3-pointer to make it 22-17 as EFSC finished the first half with a 26-21 lead.

The lead would reach eight early in the second half, but St. Petersburg College went on a 10-0 run led by Williams who scored 21 of a game-high 23 points in the second half.

From there it remained close and with 1:35 remaining Burney hit a basket for a 59-58 lead. Brandon Johnson would get fouled and make both free throws to give St. Petersburg the 60-59 lead. Burney would get fouled as he drove down the lane with 4.9 seconds remaining. After making the second one, Williams would dribble down the court and put up a shot in the final second. The ball was a bit short but was tipped up and in.

Eastern Florida State College had a trio of players score in double digits as Burney finished with 14, Eric Parnell had 12 and AJ Dixon had 10 in the loss.

The Titans (17-7, 7-2) will be back at Titan Field House Wednesday night against the Florida State College at Jacksonville in a Central Conference game.