MIAMI, FLA.-- The last time Southeastern and Florida Memorial faced off, the Lions' comeback fell short after multiple attempts in the final seconds. This time, the Lions had their revenge as they beat the Fire by a score of 76-72.
The loss moves Southeastern to 15-11 overall and 5-8 in conference. Florida Memorial picks up their ninth win of the year to improve to 9-15 and 4-9 in conference.
It was a closely-contested game, as both teams fought to hold a lead. The game was tied at 11 different times and the lead changed nine times. One of the biggest difference-makers was the aggressiveness of the Lions, as they out-rebounded the Fire 46-35.
Out of the nine lead changes, eight of them happened in the first half. Southeastern held as much as a six point lead at one point, but were unable to distance themselves from the tenacious Lions. At the buzzer, Caleb Koniczny hit a 3-pointer to give the Fire momentum heading into the locker room.
Southeastern held their lead for the majority of the second half, even though Florida Memorial tied the game twice. But at the 3:28 mark, the Lions finally broke free and kept the Fire from coming back for the rest of the game.
Linwood Ross had one of his best games of the season, as he came off the bench and led the team in scoring with 18 while bringing down five rebounds.
Larry Taylor was instrumental for the Fire, scoring six with eight rebounds and seven assists.
Jake Hodges finished with 14, and
Isaac Barsh finished with eight.
The Fire will try to put this tough loss behind them before Wednesday night, when they'll travel up to Thomasville, Georgia as they'll take on the Thomas University Night Hawks. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
