WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Thomas University's men's basketball team was just 25 seconds away from upsetting a struggling, but ninth ranked Keiser University squad this evening in south Florida.  Down just 55-53, three clutch free throw makes by the Seahawks down the stretch handed Thomas the 58-53 loss on the road.
 
Thomas trailed early as the Seahawks jumped out to the 9-2 advantage.  The Night Hawks responded with a 5-0 run that brought the score within two, 9-7, with 16:12 left until intermission.  While Thomas would net its ninth point minutes later, Keiser (21-3, 9-2 TSC) would response with a 19-2 run, which started off as a 15-0 run, to take a 28-9 lead with just under six minutes remaining in the first half.
 
Thomas would close the first half with a 6-2 run, but the Keiser lead held as the Seahawks led 30-15 at the break.
 
The Hunter Green and White finally pieced together an offensive assault in the second half where they outscored Keiser 19-8, tying the game at 49-49 with five minutes left in the contest. 
 
While Thomas never led in the contest, they battled back to tie the game at 51-51 with three minutes left and were within two, 55-53, with those fateful 25 seconds left in regulation.  Thomas pulled the "Hack-a-Shaq" method in the last half minute, but the Seahawks came through in the clutch to net three key free throws to take the 58-53 victory over the Night Hawks.
 
Sophomore Javoris Cooks led Thomas in scoring, netting 17 points in the losing effort.  Adonai Rogers was the only other Night Hawks in double figures with 11 points.  Keiser's Deion McClenton led Keiser with 16.
 
Keiser's victory gives the Seahawks the season sweep over Thomas as they defeated the Night Hawks 77-64 in Thomasville on January 9.
 
The Night Hawks (9-14, 3-7 TSC) return to action on Saturday, Feb. 6 when they host Johnson & Wales University in Sun Conference action. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.  The live broadcast for TU vs. Keiser can be accessed by clicking here.
 
By the Numbers:
2 – Night Hawks in double figures in scoring
7 – Days until Thomas faces Johnson & Wales University
10 – Game high total of rebounds by Andrea Robinson
11 – Total turnovers by Night Hawks
17 – Points scored by TU's scoring leader Javoris Cooks
34 – Total rebounds by the Night Hawks
53 – Points scored by Thomas
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU men's basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMBKB.