AVE MARIA, Fla. --- Leading most of the game, the Ave Maria men's basketball team (7-6, 0-2 TSC) wasn't able to hold off Florida National who scored on a last-second tip in to defeat the Blue and Green 61-59 on Monday night. The contest was the final non-conference game for AMU who will host St. Thomas on Thursday night in a Sun Conference matchup.
 
Jelani Bonner made 12-of-19 from the field en route to 25 points. He also grabbed five rebounds and had three steals. Brandon Dean finished with 11 points while Brandon Pasker and Eric Richardson chipped in eight points and seven points, respectively.
 
The Gyrenes shot 50 percent from the field compared to 43.1 percent by the Conquistadors but were outrebounded 35-23.
 
The Blue and Green came out firing and jumped out to an 11-2 lead less than five minutes into the game. Florida National chipped away at the AMU lead and cut it to one, 19-18, with 4:47 to play in the half. Ave Maria ended the half on a 15-6 run to take a 34-24 advantage into the break.
 
The Gyrenes were able to maintain a lead early on in the second half but weren't able to pull away from the Conquistadors.  With 5:11 remaining, Florida National hit a three to tie the game at 54-all. This was the first time the game was tied since 2-2 at the 18:53 mark in the first.
 
With the game tied at 59-all, Florida National put up a shot with a couple seconds remaining. The shot bounced off the rim and was tipped in by John Hogan as time expired to win the game for the Conquistadors. It was the first lead for Florida National in the game.
 
The Blue and Green must now regroup for the start of the conference season as they welcome St. Thomas to Tom Golisano Field House on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. tip.