Fire Men's Basketball(10-8, 2-3 SUN) hits the road this week for two Sun Conference matchups, journeying to Florida Memorial (15-3, 3-2 SUN) on Wednesday, and visiting the Warner University Royals(10-8, 2-3 SUN) on Saturday.
The Fire look to add another win to their record after an impressive 94-92 double overtime home victory over the College of Coastal Georgia Mariners. In that contest, the Fire shot 53 percent overall, and 41 percent from the three-point line. Makai Vassell scored 19 off the bench to lead the Fire, adding three blocks and six boards.
This season the Fire have scored 76 points per game and held teams to 73 points per contest. Forcing 14 turnovers a game, Vassell and Joshua Blazquez are tied for the team lead in steals with 16 each. The rebounds are gathered by Vassell and Sean Shore who both have over 100 rebounds this season. Against the Mariners the Fire posted a season high nine blocks, a category in which forward Anthony Duncan leads with 16 on the season.
The offensive attack is helmed by graduate guard Reggie Mesidor who puts up 16.5 points per game with four assists per game. He is followed closely by Vassell who scores 15.8 per contest and Blazquez who adds 12.4 points of his own.
Wednesday evening the Fire take on the Lions of Florida Memorial University who boast a strong 15-3 record. The Lions are looking to bounce back from their third loss of the season, only scoring 20 in the second half against conference rival Webber International University Warriors and losing 73-56. The Fire played the Warriors earlier this season and won at home 74-70.
The Lions have a blistering offensive attack, outscoring opponents by 12 points a game and scoring 82 plus every contest. The points are spread very evenly, with four players averaging ten and over. Latavious Mitchell leads the team with 12.8 points per game, the even scoring is well balanced because of the Lions sharp passing as they average 16.9 assists per game. Senior point guard Chanze Crusoe leads the team on the season with 97 total assists, earning himself a triple-double earlier in the season.
Saturday, the Fire travel nearby to their in-county rivals, the Warner University Royals. The Royals are also looking to rebound after a tough conference loss to rival Keiser University. Warner is led by Guard Blaize Darling Jr, and Forward Logan West who dominate a large number of the statistical categories. They are top two in points, rebounds, and assists.
As a team, they score 75 points per game while allowing 69 points per game. Christian Nurse is second on the team in steals and averages 11 points per game. And Skyler Scull shoots 46% from three adding eight points of his own per contest.
The Fire tip off Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. against the Florida Memorial University Lions and tip off Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at the Warner University Royals.
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