PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Playing their third game in four days, Southeastern University started slowly and never quite recovered, falling to Loyola University New Orleans, 89-82, in the final game at the Battle at the Beach.
The Wolfpack downed a 3-pointer only 21 ticks into the contest, scored the first nine points, and pushed the lead to 15-2 just 4:49 into the game. The Fire would finally get it going, with an
Amir Brikat layup pulling SEU to within one point, at 33-32, with 3:27 to go in the first half. The Wolfpack would take a 40-34 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Loyola would increase their lead to 13 points five minutes in, but the Fire wouldn't go away. SEU cut the lead to four points three times, at 59-55, 75-71 and finally at 77-73 with 2:28 left on
Nathan Mikkelson layup. It wasn't enough, however, as the Wolfpack extended their lead to nine points and sealed the win.
Mikkelson made 7 of his 8 attempts, with one trey, scoring 17 points and adding six rebounds.
Ahmad Johnson made a trio of triples for 15 points with four boards and three assists.
Nelson Reynolds also scored 17, hitting on 5-of-10 from downtown.
Joshua Blazquez made 5-of-11 shots for 15 points, while he handed out seven assists and had three rebounds. Brikat contributed eight points and four rebounds off the bench.
Derek Murphy contributed a pair of 3-pointers for six points.
Braelee Albert led Loyola with a game-high 23 points.
With the loss the Fire drop to 3-6, while the Wolfpack improve to 2-7. SEU returns to action on Thursday when they host University of Fort Lauderdale at the Furnace for the annual "Silent Night" game. Tip-off is at 7 p.m..
