LAKELAND, Fla.- The No. 5 Southeastern University women's basketball team turned in a stout defensive effort, as the Fire defeated the Ave Maria University Gyrenes 63-44 in their Sun Conference Opener.
The Fire held the Gyrenes to an astounding sub-20% shooting performance from the field, as AMU made just 19.5% (15-77) from the field, including 17.5% (7-40) from three-point range.
Southeastern set the tone in the first quarter, outscoring Ave Maria 31-7 through the first 10 minutes of action.
The Gyrenes outscored the Fire in both the second (13-11) and third (13-8) periods to trail by 17 heading into the final period of play. However, SEU shot 40% (4-10) from the field and made five free throws down the stretch of the fourth quarter to help close out the contest.
SEU graduate point guard
Tahanee Bennell had a dynamic day of shooting for the Fire, dialing in five of six three-point attempts to help propel her to a team-high 17 points, while also swiping four steals. Fire graduate center
Angela Perry notched a double-double, scoring 13 and hauling in 11 boards.
The Fire continue Sun Conference play in the Peach State next week, as Southeastern takes on the College of Coastal Georgia Mariners in Brunswick next Thursday. Game time is to be announced.
