LAKE WALES, Fla. - With a convincing 65-36 win over the Warner Royals, the Fire improve to 17-0 on the season.
In this contest, the Fire displayed rock solid defense, limiting the Royals to 29% shooting from the floor. In addition, Southeastern's stellar defense forced 22 turnovers. Despite the Royals generating 16 turnovers themselves, the difference maker between the two teams was the Fire being able to capitalize on the ensuing possessions for some easy baskets and the Royals finding points difficult to come by. Due to turnovers, the Fire scored 23 points compared to the Royals' 7.
Early on the Fire's senior Alyssa Ramos had the hot hand, draining three, three-pointers. The Royals then began guarding Ramos a bit more tightly, opening up scoring chances for Southeastern's Bailey Hooker and Christin Strawbridge, who both contributed greatly. Hooker, a native of Lutz, Florida, had feathery hands all night, finishing with 20 points and a field goal percentage of 87.5%. Strawbridge, the transfer from Florida Southern College, scored 16 points and pulled down seven boards.
Charity stripe shooting plagued the Royals all evening, scoring only 33.3% from the line. In contrast, the Fire were able to drain 84% of their free throws.
The Fire will be back in action on Saturday, January 21st, for a 7:00 pm tipoff inside the Furnace when they battle Webber International University.
