AVE MARIA, Fla.— After trailing by as much as 14 the Southeastern University men's basketball team couldn't complete their comeback attempt, losing to Ave Maria 73-72 and dropping their record to 10-7 on the season and 4-6 in conference play.
A three from
Riley Matticks gave the Fire a 72-71 lead with 1:01 left in the game, but a jumper from Fernando Salsamendi lifted the Gyrenes over SEU.
It was an even game through the first half as the Gyrenes took a 33-32 lead into halftime. After letting Ave Maria score the first seven points of the game, the Fire responded to take an 18-17 lead with just under ten minutes remaining in the opening 20 minutes of play.
Southeastern was able to keep it a close game despite trailing in nearly every major statistical category. The Fire were outshot (45.2%-38.7%), outrebounded (17-22), and outscored off the bench (11-4). What helped SEU was making two more three's than Ave Maria and forcing three more turnovers.
Sophomore guard
Reggie Mesidor got off to a strong start to keep the Fire within reach, scoring 14 points in the first half.
Ave Maria extended their lead to 50-38 within the first six minutes of the second half before making it 14 points with 11:34 remaining.
A 21-8 run by Southeastern made it a one-point deficit at 63-62.
Karl Jeanty sparked the run with the three-straight layups while Mesidor hit two three-pointers to get the Fire back in the game.
As a team the Fire shot 43.1% from the field including 39.1% from behind the arc.
Mesidor finished with a game-high 23 points and dished five assists. Jeanty was behind him with a season-high 15 points and notched his second double-double with 11 rebounds.
Alaowei Talent-Fitzgerald ended the night with 13 points and four rebounds off the bench.
The Fire return to action on Tuesday, January 19
th when they host Thomas University.
