Southeastern's offensive attack did just enough damage in Brunswick as they defeated the host Coastal Georgia Mariners 79-78 advancing to 14-10 on the season and 6-6 in Sun Conference play. The Mariners fell to 9-14, and 2-10 in the SUN.
The Fire completed their season sweep of the Mariners, having faced Coastal Georgia at home and winning in a double overtime thriller 94-92. This time around Southeastern's shooting was just as elite, the only difference was the 63% from three for the Fire, going seven of just 11 from behind the arc, taking what the Mariners gave and capitalizing when they needed to.
The Fire opened up a six point lead with 11:48 left in the first half as
Montez Leath's layup got home contributing to his four point, three assist effort.
The grew to as much as 12 at the 5:17 mark of the first on a three-pointer by
Makai Vassell, but the Mariners battled back bringing the game to within three with 36 seconds left in the opening half. But the Fire, thanks to buzzer-beating three pointer from
Makai Vassell, the Fire went into halftime leading 45-39.
Vassell ended the game with 16 points on 67% shooting. Southeastern shot 64 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from three.
Beginning the second half was no problem for the Fire as
Reggie Mesidor connected from three just nine seconds in for three of his 15 points. As a team the Fire continued to shoot the ball extremely well, shooting as high as 68% from the field in the second half.
The lead, like the first half, extended out again in favor of the Fire reaching a game high 14 point difference with 14:44 left in the second half. The Mariners continued to claw their way back into the game, getting to within one point with nine seconds left as Nick Jiles who led all scorers with 27 points completed an and-one, making the game 77-76. However, two clutch free throws from
Derek Murphy helped Southeastern come away with the win.
The Fire shot a season high 90 percent from the free throw line, as well as 54 percent from the field, and another season high 63 percent from beyond the arc.
Anthony Duncan led all Fire scorers, taking the charge against his former team. Duncan scored 17, and shot 75 percent, collecting three blocks as well.
Sean Shore also scored in double digits adding 12.
The Fire prepare to host the Florida Memorial Lions who they are looking to avenge a loss against. The game will be at The Furnace and the tip will be at 7:30 p.m. on February 21.
