Box Score BRADENTON, Fla. – The Fire tied the contest nine times, but they couldn't close the deal in the end. After taking the lead by a point, Southeastern University's final two shots were off the mark following New College of Florida edging back in front for the 67-66 men's hoops final.
After Kyonte Thomas deadlocked the contest for the ninth time, SEU would enjoy one last lead, 66-65, when Derek Murphy completed a 3-point play with 1:42 left. The Banyans came right back 15 seconds later with a pair of free throws, 67-66. SEU put up two final shots in the last minute as the score remained the same.
The two Sun Conference opponents saw the season series decided by a total of three points over 85 minutes of play. New College (13-12/6-7 Sun Conference) also pulled out the Jan. 11 matchup in Lakeland by a 96-94 overtime tally over SEU (11-15/7-7 Sun Conference).
The Fire won the glass battle, 33-29, but they had a tough time from beyond the arc. SEU made only 1 of 14 long-range attempts in the first half and improved to 3 of 13 in the latter stanza for a 4 for 27 night.
SEU put four players in double figures led by Murphy's 19 points with a pair of treys and 7 of 9 foul shots. He also grabbed three rebounds and had a steal. Joshua Blazquez added 13 points, while Amir Brikat made all four of his field goals for 10 points and had seven boards.
Off the bench, Nathan Mikkelson made 5 of 8 shots, including one 3-pointer, for 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Diego Platas contributed nine points and six caroms. Thomas contributed four rebounds, three assists and two points. Dylan Labuhn had two tallies.
The SEU defense held the NAIA's leading scorer, Charlie Yoder, to only 14 points, just over half of his 24.7-point average. Jordan Clark finished as the Banyans top producer with 22 points.
SEU returns home for Senior Night on Saturday against Warner University. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m.
