Box Score

In a game that featured eight ties, seven lead changes and a combined 56 % shooting from the field, the Titan men's basketball team was edged by Tennessee State, 78-75, in one of the more exciting games on BracketBusters weekend.

Trailing by seven, 77-70, with just 1:06 left in the game, UDM staged a furious rally to nearly tie the game. Junior Eulis Stephens (Detroit, MI/Southeastern) started the run with a pair of free throws that was followed with a foul shot from junior Woody Payne (Inkster, MI/Ypsilanti) just 20 seconds later to get the Titans within four, 77-73.

After a TSU free throw, Payne was able to penetrate the lane and get inside for a lay up leaving Detroit down by just three with 37 seconds left. The Titans defense stood strong and eventually forced a turnover off a steal by senior Chris Hayes (Chicago, IL/Mt. Carmel). With no timeouts left, UDM was able to get the ball to Stephens who made a quick cut to the rim, but saw his attempt fall short as the Tigers' Darius Cox came up with a block and the defensive rebound.

With just five seconds left on the clock, the Titans still had hope as Cox missed both free throws giving UDM a last second opportunity, but the red, white and blue were not able to get a shot off as time expired.

Senior Michael Harrington (Country Club Hills, IL/Rich Central) led the way with a career-high 14 points. Stephens added 13 and five rebounds, while Hayes chipped in with 10 points and a team best six boards.

Detroit shot a season-high 58% (31-of-53) for the game. The 31 field goals were also a season high and the most by a Titan team since they had 33 at Buffalo on Feb. 17, 2007, also a BracketBuster game. UDM also outrebounded the Tigers 30-23.

Detroit never trailed in the first half, opening as many as a six point advantage, 26-20, before settling on a 32-28 halftime lead. Stephens had 10 of his 13 points in the first stanza.

The second period saw Tennessee State jump out in front by nine, 55-46, at the 10:38 mark, but a 14-5 Titan spurt over the next four minutes to get the game at 60 with 6:04 left. The Tigers then jumped back out by three, 65-62, when a foul shot by Stephens and a 3-pointer gave Detroit a 66-65 lead. After a TSU basket, freshman Donavan Foster (Chicago, IL/Currie) nailed a jumper to once again put UDM ahead, 68-67, with just three minutes left, but that was the last lead the Titans would have.

UDM will close out the regular season at home as the Titans host Green Bay and Milwaukee. The battle with the Phoenix is set for Thursday at 7:05 p.m.