BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - The final game of the Southern Challenge came down to the wire when the Fire took on the Bluefield Rams. It was a nip and tuck affair for most of the game, but with five seconds left, Southeastern's own Carlon Holder poked the ball free and Wesley Johnson took it to the hoop where he was fouled from behind. Johnson managed to convert the three point play to put the Fire up 85-82. The Fire defense came up with one last key stop when the Rams were not able to make the equalizing three pointer. When the final horn sounded, the Fire came away with their second win of the season by a score of 85-82.
In the beginning of the game, both teams went back and forth, but at the end of the first half the Fire had a 10 point lead. Southeastern began to come into stride towards the end of the half as they extended their lead to as much as 15 at one point.
The Fire were led by Johnson who finished the game with a season high 26 points. He shot 75% from the floor to contribute to the team's 50% field goal percentage. Johnson finished with a double-double as he also dominated the glass with 10 rebounds. Rounding out the scoring for the Fire was Josue Celestin with 15 points on 6-8 shooting from the field. Harry Hebert finished with 12 points, all of which came from the three point stripe.
During the second half, Bluefield overcame a 15 point deficit to tie the game at 70, behind Cordaris Townes who was formidable in the paint. Townes finished the game with 20 points and 16 rebounds The remaining seven minutes of the game were tightly contested but the Fire defense stood strong to secure the victory.
The Fire return to the Furnace on Tuesday, November 8th, for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff against Pedro Posse in an exhibition game.
