BARBOURVILLE, Ky.—In a game full of fouls and turnovers, the Fire dropped their season opener at the NAIA Southern Challenge to No. 11 Union 103-79.
The Fire led 5-4 three minutes into the game when the Bulldogs started to take over the game with an 18-4 run to lead 22-8 with 13:24 left in the first.
The Fire trailed 53-40 at the half, but used an 11-0 run in the second half to get within two possessions with 15:52 left, but the Bulldogs came right back with a 12-0 run to put the game out of reach.
Turnovers were costly for the Fire, committing 30, which turned into 34 Union points.
Wesley Johnson impressed for the Fire in his debut, scoring 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field, and pulling down five rebounds. Both numbers led the team.
The Bulldogs were helped by securing 19 offensive rebounds, leading to 19 second chance points.
Southeastern returns to action tomorrow to take on Tennessee Wesleyan, which is receiving votes in the NAIA Division II Top 25.
