Defense Powers Women's Basketball in Win at Keiser

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Fire women's basketball team pulled out a close matchup on the road versus the Keiser University Seahawks, winning 60-46.
 
Forcing 27 turnovers as a team, the Fire were able to score 23 points off these possessions.
 
SEU started the third quarter with an 8-2 run, making it 37-35 to start the half. Haley Howarth knocked down a pair of three's early in the second half, giving the Fire momentum. Howarth finished the night with 17 points and nine rebounds, making five three pointers.
 
Howarth says she is confident in herself because of the support around her. "For me, my teammates give me my confidence, every time I catch the ball, they always tell me to shoot, they give me the confidence to knock shots down, and ultimately I wouldn't get the shots I would be getting without my teammates," said Howarth.
 
Foul trouble affected Howarth in the second half, but she didn't let it stop her from contributing, "I shifted my mentality because I sometimes let the refs take me out of the game and I knew my team needed me," said Howarth. "Coach Hays pulled me aside and told me to pull it together and told me that I'm the best defender on the floor and that gave me the confidence to get back"
 
The Fire scored 28 of their 60 points in the paint with strong finishes from their post players. Gabrielle Ozoude had 11 points and five rebounds and Carmen Handy finished with 10 points. Handy also grabbed four rebounds.
 
Madi Hecox also had a strong game, scoring eight points and pulling down eight rebounds. Hecox also had five assists, which was a team high for the Fire.
 
Howarth credits the win to her team pulling together and giving each other energy in the second half, "For us, we feed off each other," said Howarth. "If someone gets a tip or a steal, we get hyped and it motivates everyone else on the floor. I love to see my teammates get steals because it only makes me want to work harder. I think that's what motivates us and helped us get that win."
 
The Fire is back at home this Saturday at 5 p.m. vs. Coastal Georgia. The matchup will be the last home game for the Fire and senior night festivities will be held before the game.