Box Score LAKELAND, FLA.– Going into the game, Southeastern knew that it would take a team effort to put away a talented conference rival, and they responded accordingly. In a Sun Conference battle, the Fire beat the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles, 65-60.
On a night where top scorer Alyssa Ramos was a little off, her teammates stepped up in a big way. Carlie Newman turned in one of her best performances of the season, as she scored 15 points and pulled down a season-high 16 rebounds. Senior Hannah Demarest, fresh off of a minor injury, was one of the unsung heroes of the game, as she carved and sliced through the Eagles defense in the paint; she ended with 18 points and seven rebounds on 6-9 FG shooting. Sophomore Tiara Young also scored in the double digits, finishing with 17 points.
Both teams came out firing to start the game. With the score tied at 12 all with 12:55 remaining in the first half, the Fire went on a dramatic 15-4 run to take a lead that they would hold going into the locker room at the half, to give SEU a 36-26 lead.
After starting the second half with a ten-point advantage, the shooting for the Fire went cold. In the second half alone, the Fire shot at a miserable 28% FG percentage. Fortunately for them, the shooting for the Eagles (12-6, 4-4 TSC) went dry as well; they were able to convert on only 33% of their shots. SEU was able to keep Embry-Riddle at arm's until the 12 minute mark ticked away–the Eagles brought it within three and then to one with 10:53 left.
Then it got interesting. After one of the 15 Fire turnovers, the Eagles and the Fire engaged in a back and forth rapid fire battle. In a matter of a few minutes, there were two ties and four lead changes. In the closing minutes, three straight Fire turnovers on three possessions looked like it would doom them. But in the final minute of the game, Tiara Young hit the tying and lead-taking free throws to eventually give them a lead they would hold on to. Free throws by Carlie Newman and Hannah Demarest put the game out of reach in the final seconds as the Fire walked away victorious.
"We're real pleased with the effort on rebounding and paint defense," said coach Jody Martinez. "It was good to have Hannah [Demarest] back to herself again."
Southeastern improved to 7-2 in conference play and 15-5 overall, further cementing their spot as the second best team in the Sun Conference; a showdown between the Fire and the first place Bobcats of St. Thomas next week will have big playoff implications for both squads.
The next home game for the Fire will be Tuesday night when they host the Eagles of Trinity Baptist College. Tipoff is set for 4pm.
