Box Score MARIETTA, Ga. – Southeastern University came out firing on all cylinders in their season-opener, hitting 27 three-pointers on the way to a 127-83 victory over Bryan College in the Ken Woods Memorial Classic, giving first-year head coach Hudson Welty his first career win.
After an opening Amir Brikat layup 15 seconds into the contest for the lead, SEU began its 3-point barrage with a triple from Derek Murphy for a 5-0 quick lead at 19:17. The Fire 3-point barrage did not relent until Dylan Labuhn drained the 27th attempt with 1:03 left in the game.
SEU led from wire-to-wire, never letting the Lions get any closer than three points, twice in the opening two minutes at both 5-2 and 7-4. Leading 19-14, the Fire ran off 13-straight points capped by the first of five Nelson Reynolds treys for a 32-14 lead at 10:18. The Lions made the next two free throws, but they were never able to get the margin under 16 points in the final 30 minutes.
"Fun win to start our year," said Welty. "Our guys shared the ball and we shot it very well. We're looking forward to another challenge on a quick turnaround tomorrow, with a well-coached Life University team on their floor."
With its 127 points, SEU produced the third-highest single-game point total in school history. The Fire's 27 long-range buckets on only 42 attempts (64.3%) was one of the most prolific 3-point performances in program history, as well. SEU drained 12 triples in the first half and another 15 in the second stanza.
For the game, SEU made 46-of-79 shots overall at a 58.2% rate and out-rebounded Bryan, 51-38. Eight Fire players also downed at least three 3-pointers in the game. SEU also dished out an astounding 32 assists on the night.
The Fire saw six players hit double figures in points and added two more individuals with nine points. Ahmad Johnson paced the way with 18 points, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range and 7-of-11 overall to go with six rebounds and three assists. Reynolds was right behind him with a 17-point night on 5-of-11 long-range shooting and 6-of-13 in field goals, with four boards and two assists.
Montez Leath had a perfect night by hitting all five of his 3-pointers for 15 points. Nathan Mikkelson contributed 12 points, six rebounds and a pair of blocks, while Murphy hit for 14 points with 4-of-6 treys, four rebounds and three assists.
Guard Kyonte Thomas posted the lone double-double with 10 points and 10 assists to only one turnover. Brikat and Labuhn added nine points apiece. Ja'Quay Randolph chipped in seven points, six rebounds and two blocks.
Ian Johnson led Bryan with 19 points.
The Fre return to action tomorrow afternoon, when they face host Life University in a 1 p.m. tip-off.
