LAKELAND, Fla.—The No. 20 Southeastern University men's basketball team extended its winning-streak to six games Saturday night when it defeated the Coastal Georgia Mariners 88-60. The Fire have now won seven straight games against conference opponents and hold a record of 17-5 overall, going 10-1 in conference play. Senior Jeremy Oppenheimer and freshman Riley Minix led the way for Southeastern as Oppenheimer nearly totaled a triple-double with 23 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Minix scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double and fifth of the season.
Southeastern jumped out to a 30-13 lead at the 10:20 mark in the first half. Head Coach Kevin Lubbers spoke about his team's fast start, "I thought we came out and defended the way we needed to defend, we just focused on the basics defensively." The Fire defense held the Mariners to just four made field goals through the first ten minutes of play to gain the 17-point lead. Minix wasted no time heating up as he scored 17 of his points within the first ten minutes of play, connecting on three 3-PT attempts.
Oppenheimer impressed as well in the opening half scoring 14 points and dishing out six assists. Coach Lubbers commented on how having two guys playing well helps the team, "Balance is good. In order for those guys to get baskets other guys have to get in good positions and set good screens, certainly a team effort. At the end of the day someone has to make shots and those two guys have done a nice job for us. Overall I've been pleased with the team effort and approach each night."
Southeastern entered halftime with a 48-23 lead and didn't let up after the break.
The Fire outscored Coastal Georgia 40-37 in the second half to cap off the victory. Isaiah Moody, Devon Ford, and Dijuan-Taylor Hodge came off the bench to combine for 20 points in the final half. Moody and Ford finished the night with nine points apiece and were factors defensively, notching four blocks and two steals collectively.
As a team, the Fire shot 52.9% from the field including 45.8% from 3-PT range. Southeastern controlled the paint as well, outscoring the Mariners 42-28 around the basket and outrebounded them 54-37.
Up next for the Fire is a trip to Miami Gardens, Fla. for a date with the St. Thomas Bobcats on January 30th at 7:00 pm.
