BABSON PARK, Fla. - As the final seconds wore down, the Fire had one last opportunity to establish a play and hit a three point shot. Due to the Warriors' solid defense, however, Southeastern was unable to inbound the ball. Instead, the Fire turned the ball over and allowed the Warriors to run off the final four seconds on the game clock, solidifying an 83-79 Southeastern loss at the hands of Webber International University.
Early on, the Fire played solid basketball, and at one point, with the help of Wesley Johnson, extended their lead to ten in the first quarter. Johnson had an explosive first half, tallying 12 points before heading into the locker room at halftime. The Charleston Southern transfer finished the game with 22 points, shooting 83 percent from the floor.
Despite CJ Reese, Deshaun Wilcox, and Johnson's respectable efforts, the Fire were unfortunately unable to outlast the Warriors. Reese, the junior from College Park, Georgia, led all Fire scorers with 25 points and logged five assists. Wilcox also had double digit points, totaling 13.
Due to capitalizing on Fire turnovers, the Warriors were able to generate 16 points. In addition, exceptional play by bench players was the Warriors' driving force. Between the two benches, the Warriors outscored the Fire 42-6.
The Fire hope to get back on track inside the Furnace on Thursday, January, 19th, at 7:00 pm when they take on the red hot Warner Royals.
