Box Score LAKELAND, FLA.– The bleeding continues and it couldn't be at a worse time. Southeastern dropped its fourth straight game on Thursday night, this time falling at the hands of the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats, 76-68. It's the third straight loss at home for the Fire, as they've fallen to 6-6 in Sun Conference play and 12-9 overall.
Things looked to turn around for the Fire, as they led for the last part of the first half thanks to their 47% FG shooting. After back-and-forth lead changes for the first 11 minutes of the game, the Fire took a lead with 8:38 remaining in the half on a basket from Drew Hagemeister. Jordan Talley sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Fire a seven point lead going into the locker room.
The losing streak showed signs of ending as the Fire held on to their lead for the first 11 minutes of the second half. However, JWU came charging back; with 8:31 left in the game, the Wildcats (17-5, 9-3 TSC) took the lead on a 3-point basket from Jumaoke Smith. The Wildcats held on to the lead for the rest of the game, and held the Fire without a field goal for a 9:50 span that saw them score seven points, all at the free throw line. SEU never let the Wildcats get any more than an eight point lead; with the win, JWU has solidified their second place spot in the conference.
Andre' Winston led the scoring effort for the Fire, as he finished with 24 points and three rebounds. Senior Jordan Talley had his best game of the season thus far, as he scored 15 points and brought down six rebounds. Larry Taylor also scored in the double digits, finishing with 12 points and six rebounds.
The Fire next travel down to Northwood on Saturday to take on the Seahawks. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.
