LAKELAND, Fla. - Down 16 points at half the Fire knew they had a mission to accomplish coming out of the locker room.
Southeastern battled Sun Conference opponent Johnson & Wales in North Miami. Facing a big deficit, the Fire fought their way back into the contest and took the lead late with a corner three-pointer by Ryan Atkins. From there, the Fire would preserve their 70-67 lead to capture their seventh win of the season.
Tonight marked the Fire's first game since being ranked 11th in the latest NAIA Division II Coaches Poll. Isaac Barsh converted six of the Fire's first eight points within the opening three minutes of the game. Barsh proceeded to collect 10 points and four rebounds in the first half of action. The native of Tacoma, Washington, finished with 14 points and six rebounds.
Towards the end of the first half, the Wildcats proceed to go on a 15-2 run, lengthening their lead over the Fire. The tandem consisting of Nick Preradovic and Isa Brandon played a key role in the first half combining for 27 points. Brandon, who entered the game averaging a double-double, ended the half with five blocks.
Coming out of the locker room for the final 20 minutes, the Fire appeared to be an all around different team. Southeastern implemented a press defense that stifled the Wildcats allowing the Fire to claw their way back into the contest. The Fire generated 21 points off of turnovers alone.
After a three point first half, Atkins powered the Fire with 23 points in the second half. The transfer from West Virginia Tech capitalized on his trips to the line converting eight of his 10 free throws.
CJ Reese was another piece to the Fire puzzle that helped turn the game around. With his facilitating ability, Reese tallied a team leading five assists and collected 13 points.
The Fire aim to win six in a row as they compete against another conference foe, Keiser University, on Saturday. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
