LAKE WALES, Fla.—Down to five players at the end of the game, the Fire ran out of fuel at the end in a 72-66 loss at Warner Thursday night.
The Royals put together a 7-0 run over the last 1:21 and held the Fire to just two points in the final 3:01 of play to come away with the win.
In a game that featured 50 fouls and 53 free throw attempts, the Fire had three players foul out. Still, a pair of free throws by
Alaowei Talent-Fitzgerald put Southeastern up 66-65 with 1:21 to go. However, during their final three possessions, the Fire committed two turnovers and missed a pair of free throws.
Junior
Riley Matticks never came off the floor, scoring a game-high 23 points, and hauled in six rebounds. His 3-pointer with 9:13 to go tied the game at 51, and gave the Fire a 3-point lead with 4:14 to go on a layup.
The Fire (10-6, 4-5 TSC) got off to a good start, leading 12-6 with 15:04 left in the first, and held a 34-31 lead at the break.
Unlike the previous meeting between the two teams, the Royals (8-2, 6-2 TSC) struggled with outside shooting, making just three of their 20 3-point attempts. Warner finished the game 46% from the field, which included 13-of-26 in the second half when they outscored the Fire 41-32.
Talent-Fitzgerald added 17 points, going 7-of-8 at the free throw line and had a game-high 13 rebounds.
Next up for SEU will be a trip to Ave Maria on Saturday for a 4 p.m. start.
