KINGSPORT, Tenn.- Fueled by a career-high of 35 points by junior forward
Riley Minix, the RV Southeastern University men's basketball team bounced back at The show with a 74-70 victory over the RV Union College Bulldogs Sunday afternoon.
Minix had 10 rebounds to accompany his career best single-game and secure his fifth double-double in eight games played this season.
The first half between Southeastern and Union was a back and forth affair, with a combined seven lead changes throughout the first 20 minutes of action.
Minix dropped 20 of his 35 points in the first half, while senior guard
Ralph Diaz hauled in eight of his team-leading 12 rebounds before the half. The Fire held a slight 41-39 advantage at the intermission.
After SEU scored the first five points of the second half, UC responded with a 19-3 run to take their largest lead of the contest, a 58-49 advantage with 10:45 remaining in regulation.
However, the Fire responded by outscoring the Bulldogs 17-8 to knot things up 66-66 with 6:37 to go in the second half. Throughout the remainder of the game, SEU forced four Union turnovers and held the Bulldogs to 0-5 shooting from the field.
A pivotal three-point shot was sunk by Diaz with 1:14 to go in the game, which notched Diaz a double-double on the day and put the Fire up 72-70.
Reggie Mesidor was able to help secure the Fire victory with two more points at the free throw line with 15 seconds remaining.
The Fire return to Sun Conference play next Thursday in Babson Park, where Southeastern will battle the Webber International University Warriors. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
