Box Score KINGSPORT, Tenn. - As the final seconds counted down on the clock, the Fire found themselves deadlocked with the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers. With the game on the line, the bank was open for CJ Reese who converted the deciding basket with 2.3 seconds showing on the scoreboard. The Fire would hold on to a 71-69 lead during the Racers' final possession to solidify Southeastern's fifth victory of the season.
The Fire found themselves with their backs against the wall as the Racers opened the game with a 14-2 run.
Despite facing adversity, the Fire stayed resilient. Southeastern captured their first lead of the game with 8:47 remaining in the first half. Ball movement around the perimeter created space for Josiah Barsh who drained a three-pointer to put the Fire ahead 22-21.
Heading into the locker room, the Fire trailed the Racers by a sole possession, but remained motivated and focused in the second half.
The second half of action proved to be a nip-and-tuck affair. Timely offensive rebounding by the Fire in the final minutes of play was one of the many deciding factors in the contest. The Fire were able to attempt three shots before the Racers regained ball possession and called a timeout with just 30 seconds to play.
Following the timeout, the Racers created enough space to launch a three-point shot; however, the shot ricocheted off the back iron, allowing Reese and the Fire the opportunity to create magic in the final seconds.
Reese, a native of College Park, Georgia, dribbled to the elbow and knocked down the shot that electrified the Fire bench and notched the Fire victory.
A win in such dramatic fashion provides a great deal of motivation for the Fire. After today's victory, the Fire find themselves on a three-game winning streak.
Coach Barsh and the Fire aim to continue the winning theme tomorrow as the team is slated to take on Robert Morris University in game two of The Show. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
