Lakeland, Fla. - The Southeastern Men's Basketball team fell to Coastal Georgia in their contest on Saturday night, 75-64 despite leading by 12 in the first half.
The Fire couldn't have started the game any better with the way they spread the ball and made great shots to get an early lead. The Fire led as many as 12 with 8:12 remaining in the half. The Mariners found some life going on a 9-2 run and hitting three 3-pointers to cut the Fire's lead to five with 5:45 remaining in the half. With 25 seconds remaining in the half, Sean Shore made a jump shot to keep the Fire up by five, 33-28 heading into the half.
Reggie Mesidor and Riley Matticks both led the way with eight points a piece. Mesidor shot 3-6 from the field and 2-2 from the 3-point line. Matticks also led in rebounds with six and adding three assists.
As a team, the Fire shot 35.3% from the field, 35.7% from 3-point, and 100% at the free throw line. The Mariners shot 39.3% from the field, 23.5% from 3-point, and 100% at the free throw line.
Southeastern came out in the second half battling to keep their lead but couldn't extend their lead more than five. After ten minutes of play in the second half, The Mariners were finally able to tie the game up 53-53. The Mariners proceeded to take the lead but the Fire not too far behind by only trailing by one three separate possessions. The Fire turned the ball over five times and that enabled a Mariner 15-1 run with 51 seconds remaining in the game.
The Mariners scored off four of the five Fire turnovers in the ending of the game.
Individually, Mesidor led the team in scoring finishing with 18 points, two rebounds, and an assist. Riley Matticks followed in scoring adding 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Karl Jeanty led the team in rebounds with eight and also added six points.
Off the bench, Alaowei Talent-Fitzgerald ended with 11 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
The Fire 10-14 (4-13 TSC) will be looking to find success next week against Webber International Thursday, February 11th 7:30 P..M. in Babson Park, Fla.
