BABSON, PARK, Fla. -- SEU saw its undefeated start come to an end Sunday afternoon, as the Fire dropped a tight 66–64 decision to Shawnee State in a neutral-site contest at Babson Park. SEU, which opened the year 8–0, stormed back from a 14-point deficit and briefly took the lead in the final 34 seconds before the Bears responded with the game-winner in the closing moments.
The Fire endured a hot-shooting opening frame from Shawnee State, which went 10-for-15 in the first quarter to build a 25–13 lead. Southeastern answered with an improved defensive posture in the second and third quarters, holding the Bears to 12 points in each period while intensifying pressure on the perimeter. SEU forced eight third-quarter turnovers and began generating rhythm in transition, narrowing the gap heading into the fourth.
Mya Herman paced the Fire with 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding three assists and two steals while providing steadying buckets throughout the comeback effort.
Grace Field delivered 18 points, five rebounds, and a season-high six steals, repeatedly disrupting Shawnee's offensive flow and creating scoring opportunities the other way.
Kristiana Kulackovska contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and two assists, hitting a pair of crucial threes, while
Mafalda Chambel directed the offense with five assists and five rebounds.
Southeastern mounted its biggest push late, embarking on a 20–6 run after trailing 58–44 with just under five minutes remaining.
Ellah Kissell brought timely production off the bench, scoring all six of her points in the final stretch—including a transition finish and two free throws that tightened the margin. Herman then gave SEU its first lead of the game with 34 seconds remaining on a fast-break layup that capped a 21-point swing.
But Shawnee State answered immediately, converting the go-ahead basket with three seconds left. SEU's final look at the horn was off the mark, sealing the Fire's first loss of the season.
Despite the setback, Southeastern forced 26 turnovers, scored 33 points off takeaways, and outscored the Bears 23–17 in the fourth quarter—showcasing the defensive identity that carried them through their 8–0 start.
SEU returns home for a marquee non-conference matchup, hosting No. 6 Saint Francis (Ind.) on Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. at The Furnace.
