LAKELAND, Fla.—Despite leading at three different points during the game, and as late as the 11:46 mark of the second half, the miscues were too much to overcome in a 72-63 loss to Thomas Tuesday night.
The Fire had a solid night shooting, connecting on 41% of their shots, eight 3-pointers, and 78% of their free throws. However, the 23 turnovers committed led to 23 Thomas points. Additionally, the Fire were called for 25 fouls and had three players foul out.
Southeastern (10-8, 4-7 TSC) made their first four shots to take a 10-4 lead just over three minutes into the game. It would be another nine minutes before the Fire scored again. Ten of SEU's turnovers came during that span where TU outscored SEU by 14 to take an 18-10 lead with 8:15 to play in the half.
A 9-0 run by the Fire in the final two minutes of the first half gave them some momentum going into the locker room, as did a 3-pointer at the buzzer by
Karl Jeanty to cut the NightHawk lead to 34-30 after 20 minutes.
Jeanty finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The run continued into the second half when
Riley Matticks connected on a 3-pointer to put the Fire up 39-34 with 17:18 left.
That's when Thomas junior Jordan Booker stepped up, scoring 17 of his team-high 19 points. This included 3-pointers with 11:34 and 11:02 to play which both gave his team the lead.
Sophomore
Reggie Mesidor had a game-high 20 points for the Fire, and registered a double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dished out eight assists.
Devon Ford added 12 points, five rebounds, and three blocks.
The Fire return to action on Saturday at St. Thomas.
