Florida Gulf Coast University men's basketball dropped its third and final game in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam Monday, stumbling 69-66 to Norfolk State in the seventh place game.
The Eagles (1-5) appeared to get the start they needed to right the ship on its three-game skid but another late-game comeback would come up just short.
"Norfolk State was a well coached, tough and physical team," head coach Pat Chambers said. "Lots to learn from them and all the teams we played here in the Virgin Islands."
FGCU began the day with a 6-0 run as Zach Anderson knocked down two three-pointers. An emphatic Keeshawn Kellman dunk made it 11-2 FGCU at the 17:20 mark, forcing an early Norfolk State timeout.
The Spartans rallied to take a 12-11 lead with a 10-0 spurt of their own. FGCU had little answer to the Spartans' first-half counter punch and would trail by 10 at the half, 38-28.
FGCU then stared down a daunting 19-point deficit, 47-28, as Norfolk State scored the first nine points of the second half.
The Eagles regained their composure and battled back, possession-by-possession. FGCU pulled all the way back to within five, 57-53, with 8:20 minutes remaining.
With 57 seconds left, Chase Johnston got the friendly roll on a baseline floater to draw with one, 67-66. Norfolk State forced a FGCU turnover on the very next possession, denying the Eagles' hopes of taking the lead.
The Eagles sent the Spartans to the line as Jamarii Thomas made both of his free throw attempts to extend the lead back out to three, 69-66.
FGCU still had a chance to tie and send the game to overtime. With six seconds remaining, Isaiah Thompson received the inbound pass, sped up the court and got off a contested 3-pointer that would clang off the left side of the rim.
Three Eagles reached double figures Monday. Anderson sparked the Eagles with a team-leading 17 points. Johnston added 14 by going 4-of-6 from deep and Kellman recorded his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 boards.
FGCU returns to the court Saturday Nov. 25 to host UNC-Wilmington. Tip off from Alico Arena is set for 4:30 p.m.
