Box Score KINGSPORT, Tenn.—A poor showing in the first half of their game against #23 Rochester proved too much to overcome for Southeastern, as they eventually fell 77-60.
Both teams started the game slowly on offense. Only eight points were scored in over five minutes of play due to a combination of missed shots and turnovers. The Fire, who had eight of their 12 turnovers in the first half, failed to produce much offense and had a hard time controlling the Warriors on the defensive end of the court. Deshaun Wilcox led SEU scorers at the half with seven points, as Rochester took a 41-26 advantage into the locker room.
Though Southeastern shot an appalling 16.67% (1-6) from the charity stripe in the first half, their 3-point shooting was fairly impressive. A 3-8 performance manufactured some offense for the Fire, who ended the game shooting 40% (6-15) from behind the arc. SEU finished the competition 10-18 from the free throw line.
It was in the second half that Southeastern started playing up to their potential. Rochester, who moved to 12-1 on the season, only outscored the Fire by two in the last 20 minutes. After trailing by as many as 27 early in the second period, the Fire stormed back with a run of their own, cutting the deficit to 14.
Wesley Johnson, who recorded a mere four points in the first half, had much to do with Southeastern's attempted comeback. Johnson finished the contest with 19 points to go along with his six rebounds, both team-highs. Wilcox contributed to the Fire effort as well, by dropping 15 points and 5 assists in the game.
In the end, Rochester's offense was too much for the Fire to handle. The Warriors were captained by a three-pronged attack- Jaylen Larry, Cap Wilson, and Angelo Griffis. Larry and Griffis both registered a game-high 20 points, while Wilson added 18 to the scoreboard. Griffis also tallied 11 rebounds, giving him a double-double on the day.
The Fire will face conference opponent Warner University on the road in their next contest on December 1
st at 7pm.
