LAKELAND, Fla - The Southeastern men's basketball team came away victorious at the end of regulation against Sun Conference opponent Ave Maria in a 75-65 win at home Thursday night.
The Fire had a spark lit early as it seemed like every other shot was a made three-pointer. Southeastern took a 23-11 lead within the first eight minutes with 15 of those 23 points coming from behind the arc. The Gyrenes were able to close the gap to three after going on a 9-0 run. Jalan Mull responded with his third three-point shot of the half and ended AMU's run. The Fire would continue to keep their foot on the gas to close out the half leading Ave Maria by 17 with a score of 47-30.
At the half, Southeastern shot the ball extremely well from all areas, going 56.7% from the field, 52.9% from the three-point line, and 66.7% from the free throw line.
Coming out of the half, Southeastern seemingly cooled off a bit as the Gyrenes were able to put together a 9-0 run, spanning for nearly five minutes. Ave Maria capitalized on the fact that the shots were not falling as often as they were in the first half for SEU as the Gyrenes trailed by two with a score of 62-60 with 5:34 remaining in the game.
Reggie Mesidor's acrobatic layup would help spark the Fire's 11-3 run as the exciting play got the crowd back into it. The Fire would close out the game with two made free throws by Joshua Blasquez before time eventually expired.
Coach Randy Lee expressed that this was a, "roller coaster game," and that he, "enjoyed the fact that the guys kept their composure."
Moreover, Lee added that, "We are continuing to believe in ourselves, and our shots… and guys are shooting in rhythm with confidence."
As a team, Southeastern shot 44.3% from the field, 37.5% from behind the arc, and 69.2$ from the free throw line.
Messidor led the team in scoring with 20 points, shooting 45% from the three-point line,and made the game best of five three-pointers. Joshua Blazquez added 18 points with four assists and two steals. Mull recorded 13 points.
Riley Minix led all in rebounds with 14 and added eight points, four blocks, and three assists.
The Fire return to action on the road next Thursday, January 26th at Thomas.
