LAKELAND, Fla.—In its home opener for the 2015-16 season, the Fire men's basketball team showed off its dynamic offense and ball-hawking defense in an impressive 128-54 win over Trinity College.
The long range shooting was a major advantage for Southeastern (3-0), connecting on 17 3-pointers on 27 attempts, good for an incredible 63%. Junior
Caleb Konieczny hit five of his six bonus range attempts, and finished with 17 points off the bench.
"I expected us to shoot well because we shot well on the road last week," said coach
R-Jay Barsh. "We've made skill development a big part of our program, so we're not surprised when guys take shots and make shots.
Konieczny was one of seven Fire players in double figures, led by sophomore
Xavier Burrow's 21 points.
The Fire also got it done on defense, forcing 26 turnovers, and limiting the Tigers (0-2) to just 34.5% from the field and 16.7% from 3-point range.
Southeastern went on a 19-6 run in the middle of the first half to build up a 26-point advantage at 43-17. The halftime lead was 39 (67-28), thanks to an 11-0 run to close the half; nine of which came off the hand on Konieczny.
"I was pleased with our effort in diving after loose balls, the communication from our bench to the floor, and our ball movement," said Barsh. "It's fun to see the crowd back in the gym and to see our school rally around Larry (Taylor's) prayer at the end.
The Fire return to action on Monday in Tallahassee when they take on Florida State in an exhibition at 7:05 p.m.
