LAKELAND, Fla.—After an impressive showing in which the Fire notched the century-mark in both competitions in the NAIA Showcase over the weekend, Southeastern will put its undefeated record on the line once again as it heads into two important conference matchups this week.
The Fire will take on Johnson & Wales in North Miami before returning home for a clash with (RV) Keiser.
Southeastern has dominated teams throughout its 9-0 start, outscoring opponents by an average of 29.6 points, which ranks sixth in the country. During the nine games, the Fire's efficiency has been instrumental to offensive success, while tight defense has stifled opponents' chances to score. SEU leads the nation in field goal percentage (54.1%) and holds their opposition to a mere 31.3% shooting (fourth in the NAIA).
Senior Ana Richter has been vital to Southeastern's perfect start to the season. Richter has reached the double-digit scoring mark in each of her last 16 competitions, a streak that dates back to last year, and has scored at least 20 points in the past six games. The Oxford, Ohio native, who leads all Sun Conference players by averaging 22.4 points per game, also ranks third in the nation in total scoring with 202 points this year.
In her most recent game, Richter powered the Fire to a 101-72 victory over #13 Indiana East. She scored 22 points, collected 11 rebounds and added nine assists, one short of a triple double.
On Thursday, the Fire will travel to North Miami to battle with the Johnson & Wales Wildcats.
The Wildcats come into their matchup with a 3-4 (0-2 TSC) record after dropping back-to-back conference matches against Coastal Georgia and Thomas.
Diamond Williams and Tianna Ayulo, were both key contributors in eliminating an 11-point deficit against Coastal Georgia to force overtime. Williams, who has led the Wildcats in scoring each of the last two years, recorded a game-high 21 points and collected five rebounds. Ayulo added 19 points and 13 boards for her third double-double of the season. Both Williams and Ayulo have reached double-digits in every contest in 2017, while averaging 20.1 and 19.7 points per game, respectively.
Since joining the Sun Conference in 2009, the Fire are 15-1 against the Wildcats and have won the last 14 meetings, with their last loss coming in December of 2009.
After Thursday's game against Johnson & Wales, the Fire will host Keiser on Saturday.
The Seahawks started the year with a 4-2 record before three straight losses, two of which came at the hands of Top 10 teams. Keiser currently sit at 4-5 (1-1 TSC) on the season.
The Seahawks hold opponents to low scoring totals thanks to their defensive effort. Against teams outside of the Top 10, Keiser has not allowed more than 71 points and has held opposing teams under 60 points three times. The Seahawks only surrender an average of 65.3 points, ranking 50
th nationally, while limiting teams to 28.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc (39
th).
Junior Donivan Dyson leads the Seahawks in a plethora of statistical categories including points per game (15.8), rebounds per game (5.1), and total steals (18). The transfer from Clayton State accounts for the majority of Keiser's offense, as no other Seahawks player averages more than 7.4 points per contest.
Southeastern and Keiser have met 16 times since 2009, and have split the games evenly at eight wins a piece. As of late, the Fire have taken control in the matchups, winning six of the last eight meetings and each of the last three. The Seahawks have narrowly outscored the Fire across all matchups 993-979 (62.1-61.2 ppg).
Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m. against Johnson & Wales and 5 p.m. versus Keiser.
