LAKELAND, Fla.- On an afternoon where the Fire scored 25 points off of 22 turnovers and out-rebounded the Lions 54-26, the No. 7 Southeastern University women's basketball team cruised to an 88-54 victory over the Florida Memorial University Lions. With the win, the Fire improved to 4-0 in Sun Conference play.
The Fire struggled to protect the ball in the first period, surrendering nine turnovers through the first 10 minutes of play. However, the Fire made the adjustment at the end of the quarter and conceded just two turnovers in the second period.
Despite shooting under 40% from the field and 21.4% (3-14) from three-point range in the first half, the Fire used their size to out-rebound the Lions 31-13 in the second half and create second-chance points. SEU took a 27-16 advantage over FMU into the locker room for halftime. Senior shooting guard
Jade Odom had a gritty first-half performance, scoring eight points and hauling in eight rebounds.
The Fire had a much-improved second half of shooting, going 66.7% (18-27) from the field, including 42.9% (3-7) from behind the arc in the final 10 minutes of play. Sophomore guard
Haley Howarth scored 11 of her team-leading 20 points in the third quarter, as Southeastern outscored Florida Memorial 27-13 in that period. Howarth hauled in eight rebounds and recorded four steals to go along with her successful scoring day.
Defensively, SEU held FMU to just 25% (9-36) shooting in the second half, including 21.1% (4-19) from three-point land.
Odom finished with 17 points, eight boards, and four assists. Senior guard
Madi Hecox had a nice day, totaling 15 points (5-8 FG) and four assists. Senior point guard
Bekki Kalaydjiev had a full stat-sheet, scoring 13 while posting six assists, five rebounds, and three steals.
Graduate forward
Gabrielle Ozoude posted her second-straight double-double, totaling 12 points and 11 rebounds coming off the bench.
Up next, the Fire travel to Thomasville, Georgia to take on the Thomas University Night Hawks next Tuesday. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.
