Box Score NORTH MIAMI, Fla.- It came down to the final minute.
In a game that featured 10 ties and six lead changes, the Fire broke the final tie with 55 seconds to go on a layup, and one by Cassidy Block to put Southeastern up two, and help it secure a 69-64 win over Johnson & Wales University.
On the ensuing possession, Block secured the rebound, her 10th of the game, after a missed jumper by the Wildcats. Alyssa Ramos scored her 19th and 20th points of the game on a pair of free throws with 15 seconds to go. The game closed when Emma Loucks stole the basketball away from the Wildcats with four seconds to play.
"We didn't shoot particularly well, or play great defense tonight, but did a better job in those areas during the last two minutes of the game when it counted," said Coach Jody Martinez. The Fire shot 35.7% from the field, and were just 22.7% from 3-point range. The Wildcats were 45.8% from the field, and 47.4% from long range.
In the first half, the Fire trailed 20-12 with 9:44 left, and were able to remain within arms-length of JWU, until they tied it up with 3:13 left after scoring five straight points. A layup by Loucks and a 3-pointer by Ramos with 31 seconds left helped the Fire hold a 35-32 lead at the intermission.
The advantage for the guests grew to seven on a layup by Loucks with 16:04 left. Johnson & Wales took the lead with five unanswered points at the 3:44 markto go up 62-59. Southeastern finished the contest on a 10-2 run to secure the win.
Ramos was the contest's leading scorer with 20 points in 38 minutes of play. Bailey Hooker added 17 points and four rebounds. Loucks finished with 11 points, six rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Block was the game's leading rebounder with 10.
The Fire return to action on Thursday when they travel to Ave Maria for a 5 p.m. start.
