KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by second-chance points and a pivotal final-minute block, the Towson Tigers edged the previously unbeaten Liberty Flames in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Tuesday afternoon at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Tigers, who led for the majority of the contest, saw a late surge from the Flames fall short in the closing seconds to secure a three-point victory. The outcome defied the pregame projections that heavily favored Liberty.

Towson established its presence early, with Dylan Williamson connecting on a 3-pointer just 53 seconds into the game to open the scoring. The first half was a back-and-forth affair featuring eight lead changes. Liberty managed to take a one-point lead into the break, but the Tigers’ resilience in the paint and on the glass foreshadowed the final outcome.

The game turned decisively in the second half as Towson’s defense intensified and its offensive rebounding created crucial extra possessions. The Tigers doubled Liberty’s offensive rebound total, a key factor in a game where both teams finished with 36 points in the paint.

With just over a minute remaining and Towson clinging to a two-point lead, Liberty’ Brett Decker drove for a layup and was fouled. He completed the three-point play to give the Flames a one-point advantage, their first lead since early in the second half.

Towson responded immediately on the ensuing possession. Tyler Tejada of Teaneck, New Jersey, hit a clutch jumper to put the Tigers back in front. Following a defensive stop, Tejada was fouled and calmly sank two free throws to extend the lead to three points with 25 seconds left.

Liberty had two final opportunities to tie the game. Out of a timeout, Kaden Metheny’s 3-point attempt was off the mark. The Flames secured the offensive rebound and called another timeout with nine seconds remaining. On the final play, Decker attempted a game-tying 3-pointer, but Tejada rose to block the shot, securing the victory as time expired.

Tejada was the standout performer for Towson, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, including the game-sealing swat. Jack Doumbia of Lanham, Maryland, provided a vital offensive spark off the bench with 15 points, while Dylan Williamson of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, added 14 points and four rebounds.

For Liberty, Zach Cleveland of Bloomington, Illinois, orchestrated the offense with 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Kaden Metheny of Morgantown, West Virginia, led the Flames in scoring with 16 points, and JJ Harper of Orlando, Florida, contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Statistically, the game was a tale of efficiency and rebounding. While both teams had 65 possessions, Towson’s superior offensive rating proved decisive. The Tigers also capitalized on their opportunities in transition, outscoring Liberty 12 to 6 in fastbreak points. A struggle from beyond the arc plagued both teams, with Liberty making just 7 of 30 attempts and Towson connecting on 4 of 17.

The loss is the first of the season for Liberty, which falls to 5-1. Towson improves to 5-2 with the victory, building momentum after a win against Rhode Island the previous day. The Tigers’ next contest is at home against Cornell on Dec. 3. Liberty looks to rebound when it hosts Coppin State on Dec. 6.