THOMASVILLE, Ga.—Southeastern was able to regroup and hold off a second half run by Thomas to pick up a 63-51 win over the Night Hawks Monday night to improve to 2-1 on the season.
The Fire had to battle through a cold spell in the third quarter, going 4-of-11 from the field after shooting 50% from the field in the first half to build a 32-19 lead at the break.
A 3-pointer by the Night Hawks (0-2) with 4:12 left in the third brought the hosts within a possession at 37-34, but the Fire ended the half on an 11-1 run to lead by 13 with 10 minutes to play. Southeastern was able to rescue their third quarter shooting with an 8-for-10 effort at the charity stripe.
During the fourth quarter, Thomas got within eight with 5:30 to go but missed their next three shots and committed three of their 25 turnovers on the night, and didn't score again until the 2:05 mark to make it a 10-point game.
Southeastern also struggled with turnovers, committing 22 but the Night Hawks scored just 14 points off of them.
Bekki Kalaydjiev led the Fire with 18 points, and also had five steals and three rebounds.
Anja Knoflach was also in double-figures with 10 points and added six rebounds and three steals.
Ariana Smuda added nine points and four boards off the bench.
The Fire will travel to Rollins on Wednesday for an exhibition before hosting New College of Florida on Saturday for their home opener.
