Box Score ORANGE CITY, Iowa- The No. 4 Southeastern University women's basketball team endured an early season push from the No. 17 Northwestern College Red Raiders. The Fire defeated the Red Raiders 80-75 in a rematch from the Second Round of last year's NAIA National Tournament.
A large part of the Fire victory is credited to senior guard Ana Richter having a career night. Richter successfully converted 14 field goals and totaled 30 points, both highs in her collegiate career.
"Ana is an incredible leader day in and out. Her heart and effort was incredible the entire night. She is starting to show just how special she truly is," shared Head Coach
Tim Hays.
Southeastern looked to be in prime form to start the contest, opening the first three minutes of play on a 9-0 run. A three pointer by junior guard Jaycee Coe put the Fire up 21-13 with 2:28 to go in the first quarter.
However, the Red Raiders on an 8-0 run to cut the Fire lead to 21-20 at the end of the first 10 minutes.
Northwestern was dialed in from the court in the second quarter, shooting 75% (6-8) from the field, including 60% from behind the arc (3-5). Southeastern struggled in the second period, shooting just 25% from the court and missing all five three point attempts. The Red Raiders grew their lead to as many as 10 against the Fire in the quarter.
SEU trailed NC 40-31 at the half. This marked the first time the Fire have trailed at the half of a regular season contest since 1/26/16 versus Keiser.
The Fire began to find their rhythm in the third quarter. The Fire outscored the Red Raiders 17-7 from the 6:47 to the :33 second mark. Seven of the Southeastern points during that run came from junior shooting guard Halee Printz, who knocked down a pair of crucial three pointers during that stretch.
"When they (Northwestern) made a run we could have easily backed down. But this team showed the kind of heart that they have to respond the way they did on a night where things were just not going our way," remarked Hays.
A reverse layup with by senior forward Anissa Toumi put the Fire up 52-51, giving them their first lead of the game since the end of the first quarter.
Toumi provided valuable minutes for the Fire off the bench, finishing with nine points and tying the team lead in assists with six.
SEU trailed NC 53-52 heading into the final period of play.
The Fire turned in a dynamic shooting performance in the final 10 minutes of action, converting 75% of their field goal attempts while forcing six Red Raiders' turnovers in the fourth quarter.
Northwestern was able to cut the Fire lead to 78-75 with seven seconds to go. However, a breakaway layup by Richter with two seconds to sealed the Southeastern victory.
"This was a great early season challenge that will prepare us long term," commented Hays.
The Fire open up Sun Conference play next week. Southeastern hosts Webber International University on Thursday night. Tipoff in The Furnace is set for 6:00 p.m.
