XENIA, Ohio -- SEU Men's Basketball closed out the calendar year in championship fashion, capturing the Athletes in Action Christmas at the Wooden – Green Bracket title with a 76–68 win over Marian on Wednesday night. The victory marked the 10th straight win for the Fire, who continue to build momentum deep into December.
SEU (12-1) set the tone early with efficient offense and consistent pressure on both ends of the floor. The Fire shot 60 percent from the field in the opening half and carried a 36–30 advantage into the break.
Daivion Traylor provided a strong interior presence from the opening tip, scoring 11 first-half points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting while controlling the glass.
Marian kept the contest competitive in the second half, trimming the margin to a single possession on multiple occasions, but Southeastern responded each time with timely stops and poised execution. The Fire finished the night shooting 51.9 percent from the field and scored 44 points in the paint, repeatedly attacking the rim and earning trips to the free-throw line.
Traylor led all scorers with 21 points, adding 11 rebounds to record a double-double while anchoring the Fire inside.
Mylo Santos followed with 17 points, converting 6-of-8 free throws and dishing out four assists.
Nathan Mikkelson contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, while
Anthony Kangah added seven points in a balanced offensive effort.
Southeastern's depth and discipline proved decisive down the stretch. The Fire committed just 10 turnovers and turned defense into offense with 14 fast-break points. Late free throws helped seal the win as SEU closed the final minute with composure to secure the tournament championship.
Traylor was named the Green Bracket MVP, and Santos was named to the All-Tournament Team.
SEU will return to action on Thursday, January 1, when the Fire open the new year on the road at Thomas University (Ga.). Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. in Thomasville, Ga., as SEU looks to carry its momentum into 2026.
