LAKELAND, Fla. - The No. 17 Southeastern University men's basketball team topped the Florida National Conquistadors 80-64 in its home opener to improve to 2-1 on the season.
The Fire hopped out in front first leading 7-4 to start the game but ultimately rescinded the lead to the Conquistadors after Florida National went on a 7-3 run. The Conquistadors led by as many as six with eight minutes remaining with a score of 26-20. The Fire capitalized on their forced turnovers and cashed in at the other end to spark a 12-0 run with 4:05 remaining in the half. The Fire went into halftime leading 40-33.
At the half, the Fire shot 58% from the field and 60% from behind the arc. Reggie Mesidor led in points with 11 and added three rebounds and a steal.
Southeastern, coming out of the half, caught rhythm and were able to put themselves up double digits again, leading by as much as 19 with 11:47 remaining in the game. With time running out, the Conquistadors found themselves in a position where the Fire lead was too much to overcome.
As a team, Southeastern shot 56% from the field, 40% from the three-point line, and 55% from the free throw line.
Riley Minix recorded his third double-double of the season leading the game in both points and rebounds with 26 and 14. Mesidor recorded 15 points, four rebounds, two steals, and an assist.
Joshua Blazquez and Jalen Mull both led the team in assists with five each. Blazquez also had 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Mull added 11 points and six rebounds.
Southeastern will return to action on the road next weekend against Ave Maria November 12th at 4 p.m. Eastern.
