LAKELAND, Fla. – A late-game flurry from the Fire didn't end up being enough, as New College of Florida put back an offensive rebound in the final second of overtime and slipped past Southeastern University, 96-94, in Sun Conference men's basketball action at The Furnace.
After four lead changes throughout the game with neither team leading by more than four points, New College held a 94-92 lead at 1:26 in the extra period. Joshua Blazquez deadlocked the game again with two free throws, 94-94, with 1:08 showing. Both teams missed their next shots, before the Banyans' 3-pointer with three ticks went off the mark, but an offensive rebound was banked home in the final second for the New College victory.
The two Sun Conference foes moved closer together in the standings with the close outcome. New College (9-7) went to 2-3 in the league, while SEU (7-10) is even at 3-3.
Ahmad Johnson connected on five 3-pointers as part of his team-high 23 points to go with six rebounds and two assists. Derek Murphy contributed a double-double of 13 points, including three treys, and 10 rebounds along with two assists.
Blazquez and Diego Platas both chipped in 12 points. Platas had a pair from beyond the arc and four boards, while Blazquez registered five rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
Off the bench, Nathan Mikkelson added 15 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Kyonte Thomas was the sixth double-digit scorer with 13 points, two 3-pointers, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Amir Brikat recorded eight rebounds, four assists, and four points, while Montez Leath had the other two points.
The Mighty Banyans' Charlie Yoder had a game-high 26 points, along with 19 rebounds and seven assists.
Behind by 11 points halfway through the second half, the Fire chipped away at the deficit, but they still trailed 83-77 with 38 seconds left. Mikkelson and Blazquez made back-to-back buckets before Mikkelson made a pair of free throws with 15 seconds left to send the game to overtime.
SEU returns to action on Wednesday when they travel to Lake Wales to face Warner University. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m..
