LAKELAND, Fla.- Southeastern came out hot early versus in conference foe Keiser University, but ended up falling short in overtime, 76-63.
The Fire (8-7, 0-2 SUN) were up at halftime 34-31 after going 43% from the field and riding the back of Makai Vasell who put up 13 first half points.
The Fire continued the balanced attack throughout the beginning of the second half, trading blows with Keiser on offense and defense. The score being almost dead even through the first five minutes of the second half, the Seahawks went on a six-point run, led by leading scorer Calvin Sirmans, who finished with 29 points. With there not being many run away lead changes in this game, a small six-point run would prove to be of great significance in this one, being that every last point seemed to hold great weight in this thrilling contest.
The contest was neck and neck until a little less than a minute left when Vasell knocked down a tough layup to spark a Fire offensive run. With a few more clutch free throws knocked down by junior guard
Joshua Blazquez made the score 71-67 with 24 seconds left.
The Fire seemed to be in full control of the contest. Keiser then had an offensive surge of their own throughout the last few seconds of the game and ended up tying the game at 72 and sending the game to overtime.
Overtime opened with what seemed to be tonight's overall theme: a back and forth, balanced, even game by both sides. A few minutes into OT Keiser jumped out to a four-point lead. Southeastern then responded by bringing the contest within two points by a tough layup in the paint coming from Blazquez. Keiser continued their offensive constituency, keeping this game right out of reach for The Fire. A glimmer of hope for the home crowd in Lakeland as the Fire brought it back within three points would prove to only be a glimmer as late defensive struggles caused The Fire to let this slip away in the last few moments.
Vassell led the Fire with 26 points and played all 45 minutes.
Reggie Mesidor and Blazquez added 16 each.
Sean Shore had nine points to go along with his team-best nine rebounds.
The Fire will play host to the Warriors of Webber International University on Saturday.
