Men's basketball team falls short against Northwest Florida

The Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team fell short against No. 5 Northwest Florida State College at the NWF Classic on Saturday afternoon.

The lead changed 20 times in the game and the teams were tied 10 other times as the 20^th ranked Titans battled Northwest Florida State right down to the buzzer with the Raiders slipping out with the 62-60 victory.

The Titans took the 60-59 lead with 18 seconds remaining on an AJ Walker drive but Northwest Florida State would take the lead as Jamal Sumlin drives and is fouled. Sumlin made both free throws with 10.3 seconds remaining. The Raiders would come up with a timely steal of the inbounds pass and then Tajuan Simpkins would make one of two free throws to take a 62-60 lead with 7.2 seconds left. The Titans would get a look, but the 3-point attempt just missed.

Eastern Florida State College hit nine 3-pointers in the game as Luca Colceag made five of the nine that he took and Matija Zuzic had three as well.

The largest lead of the contest was five, held by the Titans in the first half. But Northwest Florida State College would go on a run right before halftime to head into the locker room leading 27-23.

The Titans came out fast in the second half to once again tie the game and keep it close throughout the second half.

Colceag finished with 17 point while Zuzic had 16 for the Titans. Simpkins had 17 for Northwest Florida State College.

The Titans will head to Christmas break 11-2 on the season and will travel to Jacksonville to play the Florida State College at Jacksonville on Wednesday, Jan. 3 before beginning the Citrus Conference schedule on Saturday, Jan. 6 against Florida SouthWestern at home. Game time is 4 p.m., after the women's basketball game at 2 p.m.