THOMASVILLE, Ga. - The Southeastern Fire men's basketball team came away victorious 65-62 against the second-place team in The Sun Conference, Thomas University Thursday night.
The Fire caught rhythm early as they jumped out to a 18-7 lead within the first ten minutes of play. The Fire led by as many as 13 with a score of 24-11 with 6:53 remaining in the half. The Night Hawks made some adjustments on the defensive side of the ball and were able to convert them efficiently into offense by putting together a 11-2 run to bring themselves within four with under five minutes to go in the half. Both teams got it to go offensively before the half with the Fire leading 36-30.
At the half, Southeastern shot 58.3% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and 66.7% from the free throw line.
Riley Minix led all players at the half with 14 points and six rebounds.
Coming out of the half, both teams put together a slew of great defensive possessions. The Fire never rescinded the lead to the Night Hawks no matter how close they came. Numerous times, the Night Hawks were able to come within one point but ultimately never tied the game or took the lead. The Fire remained out in front down the stretch and were able to close out the game with two made free throws by the hands of Minix.
SEU shot 52% as a team, 28.6% from the three-point line, and 63.6% from the free throw line.
Minix led all players with another double-double performance of 27 points and 14 rebounds off of 73% shooting.
Reggie Messidor had the second-best total on the team of 11 points and added four rebounds.
Joshua Blazquez led the team in assists with six and added eight points and two steals.
The Fire return to action Saturday, January 28th at Coastal Georgia.
