LAKELAND, Fla. – This time the Fire didn't flinch when the opposing run came. Southeastern University ended a three-game skid tonight as four seniors combined for 50 points and led the team past Warner University, 77-71, on 'Senior Day' at The Furnace.
SEU put 50 points on the first half scoreboard and worked to a 13-point intermission lead. The Royals cut into the lead and pulled to within four points both with 12:33 left and again at 1:42 on the clock, but the Fire did not allow them any closer for the win.
The Fire (12-15/8-7 Sun Conference) completed the season series sweep of the Royals (9-16/3-11 Sun Conference). SEU claimed the first meeting in Lake Wales back on January 15 by a 108-95 final and have now won three in a row over Warnerl.
The four SEU seniors of Kyonte Thomas, Amir Brikat, Joshua Blazquez, and Derek Murphy accounted for 50 points of the team's 77 on the night. Thomas led all home scorers with 17 points, including four treys, to go with six rebounds, and four steals.
Brikat recorded a double-double of 13 points (6-of-11 from the field) and 14 rebounds. Blazquez added 13 points, four boards, and four assists. Murphy contributed an all-around effort of seven points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Diego Platas hit seven of his 11 attempts for 16 points while pulling in six boards. Nathan Mikkelson, Nelson Reynolds and Matthew Lentz combined for the other 15 points off the bench.
Jack Voth led all scorers with 22 points for Warner.
Platas helped SEU get off to a good start with a pair of buckets for a 7-2 early advantage. The Royals came back to within a point, 10-9, but they never enjoyed a lead on the day. SEU took a seven-point edge up to a 13-point difference, 39-26, capped by a Platas jumper with 4:57 left in the first half.
After a Blazquez jumper with 3:13 left in the game, SEU led 75-64. Warner was not done, as they netted the ensuing seven points to cut their deficit to four points, but did not score another point in the final 1:42.
The Fire return to action next Saturday when they travel to Ave Maria to face the Gyrenes. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.
