TOWSON, Md. – Zane Martin packaged eight of his career best 25 points in overtime to lead the Towson University men's basketball team to a thrilling, 82-78, victory over Morgan State in a treasure of a non-conference contest at SECU Arena Wednesday night.
 
In posting his fourth consecutive game of 20 or more points, Martin made a game-tying 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds remaining. Dennis Tunstall forced overtime when he blocked a pair of shots in the final 1.5 seconds. The Tigers, who won their fifth consecutive overtime game, never trailed in the extra session.
 
Returning home from a memorable championship experience in Belfast, Towson was greeted by its largest crowd of the season, a white LED foam stick waving throng that showed the Tigers lots of love.
 
The Tigers returned the affection by displaying their poise, resiliency, and tenacity to capture their ninth consecutive victory. With over 1,000 students pounding profusely in syncopated rhythms throughout, SECU Arena pulsated with enough noise to rival an artillery battery.
 
While the Tigers dilly-dallied with everyone's cardiovascular system during the tense and tight final moments, Martin was as cool as a scoop of ice cream, scoring 13 points in the final minute of regulation and overtime.
 
Records
Morgan State  4-5
Towson           9-1
 
Quotable
Martin on his game-tying shot.
"Brian Starr found me. I had my feet ready and I stepped into it and made the shot. There's nothing more I can say."
 
Tunstall on blocking shots.
"I always had the instinct for timing and I love blocking shots. My mindset when I get on the floor is to do my job. Coach always tells me to stay ready and he uses me for situations like (defense tonight) and I was fortunate to help my team by making a pair of big plays."
 
Justin Gorham on the atmosphere.
"It was great. It was rocking and when you were on the court it felt like a NCAA tournament game out there. The energy was amazing and we were appreciative of our students for coming out. It meant so much to us. I can honestly say they helped us tonight and gave us the added energy we needed to get the win tonight. So thank you."
 
How It Happened

• Towson outscored Morgan State, 15-11, in overtime.
• The Tigers recorded assists on all of their overtime baskets.
• Mike Morsell, who added 17 points, was 4-of-4 from the foul line in the extra session.
• Towson never trailed in overtime after Deshaun Morman opened the period with a 3-pointer with 4:40 remaining.
• Martin scored eight consecutive points after the Bears closed to 70-69 with 4:14 remaining.
• After making a layup and getting fouled, Martin flexed his muscles to the delight of Towson's raucous student section.
• Trailing, 55-39, with 11 minutes remaining, Morgan State put together a stunning 23-4 burst that gave it a 62-59 edge with 3:02 remaining.
• Cameron had the Bears ahead 67-64 after a pair of foul shots with 24 seconds remaining.
• However, Martin and Tunstall came through late to help the Tigers continue their magical start to the season.
• Eddie Keith II tied the game at 62 with a huge 3-pointer and blocked a dunk attempt that you may see in a SportsCenter loop a few times.
• Towson sprinted to a 16-5 lead as six different players scored.
• Morgan State was1-for-13 to start the game.
• Phillip Carr's strong individual effort of 25 points and 10 rebounds almost transformed SECU Arena into a tabernacle of gloom.
• LaPri McCray-Pace (14 points) and Martez Cameron (10) also reached double figures for the Bears.

 
Inside the Numbers

• Towson extended its home court winning streak to 10 games.
• The Tigers defeated Morgan State for the fifth consecutive time.
• Towson has won nine straight games against Baltimore-area opponents.
• The Tigers are 19-2 against in-state opponents since the 2012-13 season.
• Justin Gorham grabbed nine rebounds for the third time this season. They were a perfect complement to his nine points.
• Brian Starr had 10 points, a career best seven rebounds and four assists.
• Starr made a 3-pointer from 40-feet to end the first half and give Towson a 33-26 lead at intermission.
• Morsell raised his career point to 1,207 and moved past Jerrelle Bennimon and into 16th place all-time on the Towson career scoring list.
• Towson also raised its record to 12-1 since the beginning of last season when Morsell attempts at least six foul shots.
• Towson tied its program record for most 3-pointers with 14. It's the third time since 2008, Towson made at least 14 3-pointers in a single game.
• Towson has made at least eight 3-pointers in every home game this season.
• Martin has scored at least 20 points in six of Towson's first 10 games.
• The last Tiger to open the season with that many 20 point games over the first 10 games was Kurk Lee in the 1989-90 season. He scored 20 or more in Towson's first nine games.
• This was the second overtime game between Towson and Morgan State. The Tigers beat the Bears, 71-69, on Nov. 16, 2004 in Columbus, Ohio.
• This was the ninth game between Towson and Morgan State decided by four points or less.
• There were four ties and two lead changes.

 
Up Next
Towson remains home to host UMBC Saturday at 2 p.m. The Military & Veterans Center along with our collaborators will be hosting the 9th Annual Stuff the Bus event. However, this year we will be collecting non-perishable items to help our own Towson Food Insecurity Program as well. Locations of the boxes will be spread throughout campus. You may identify them via gift wrapped box stating Toys for Tots & TU Food Insecurity Food Program.