MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.—The Fire were looking for a spark to get out of a funk to start the season.
They just may have found it.
In his third game with the team,
CJ Reese scored a season-best 32 points to help Southeastern rally back from a 17-point deficit to beat Florida National 114-107 in overtime at the St. Thomas Classic.
The junior was a perfect 10-of-10 at the free throw line, and scored eight points in the extra session.
With 10:14 left in the contest, the Conquistadors took a 75-58 lead with an 11-4 run. The Fire were able to whittle the lead down to six with 4:23 remaining, but a 3-pointer by Antonio Sims put FNU up 88-79.
Enter Reese.
In the final 3:48 of regulation, Reese scored 12 points, grabbed two rebounds, and converted on two and-one layups. This included a layup at the buzzer to tie the game at 94, and force overtime.
Free throw shooting was the key in the extra session, with the Fire going 11-of-12 at the line. Southeastern needed just five field goal attempts, making four, thanks to six fouls against the Conquistadors in overtime.
Freshman
Jase Miguez and junior
Wesley Johnson each chipped in 18 points to the winning effort. Miguez was 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Josue Celestin added 16 points and eight rebounds, and freshman
Jeremy Oppenheimer scored 11 points and pulled down six rebounds.
The Fire will finish up their stay in Miami Gardens with a matchup against No. 14 Bethel Tuesday.
