LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU men's basketball continues Sun Conference play this week with a two-game stretch that begins on the road before returning to The Furnace. The Fire travel to No. 5 Ave Maria on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. tip, before coming back to Lakeland to host Florida Memorial on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Both games will be available live on the Urban Edge Network. Fans can watch through the Urban Edge Network App on Smart TVs and mobile devices or stream online via Urban Edge Network's digital platform.
SEU enters the week with a 17-2 overall record and a 6-1 mark in Sun Conference play. The Fire are riding a three-game winning streak and remain unbeaten at home this season with an 8-0 record in The Furnace. Southeastern has also been strong away from home, posting a 7-2 road mark, and is a perfect 2-0 in neutral-site contests.
Statistically, SEU ranks among the NAIA's top programs offensively. The Fire average 87.1 points per game, ranking 18th nationally, and shoot 51.3 percent from the field, which ranks seventh in the NAIA. SEU also shoots 35.8 percent from three-point range and 73.4 percent at the free throw line, while averaging 38.9 rebounds and 15.2 assists per game, showcasing a balanced and efficient offensive attack.
On the defensive end, Southeastern continues to be solid and consistent. The Fire allow 74.0 points per game and hold opponents to 44.4 percent shooting from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range. SEU also ranks among the NAIA's top teams in rebounding margin at +8.7, creating extra possessions and limiting second-chance opportunities throughout the season.
One number has defined Southeastern's success this season: 80. The Fire are a perfect 13-0 when scoring 80 or more points and 14-0 when holding opponents under the 80-point mark, underscoring the balance between offensive efficiency and defensive consistency that has fueled SEU's strong start to the year.
Mylo Santos leads Southeastern and ranks among the top scorers in the Sun Conference, averaging 18.1 points per game, second-best in the league. Santos also ranks among conference leaders in steals at 1.9 per game while shooting better than 52 percent from the field.
Nathan Mikkelson anchors the Fire in the paint and ranks second in the Sun Conference in rebounding at 8.5 boards per game. He also averages 12.0 points per contest while ranking among league leaders in blocks at 1.8 per game. Mikkelson's physicality on the glass and rim protection have been central to SEU's rebounding margin and interior defense.
Daivion Traylor has been one of the most efficient scorers in the conference and leads the NAIA in field goal percentage, shooting an impressive 75.5 percent from the floor while averaging 14.8 points per game. Traylor provides a strong interior scoring option and finishes consistently around the rim, giving Southeastern a reliable inside presence that complements its perimeter attack.
Jayson Nixon has emerged as a key perimeter threat and facilitator for the Fire, averaging 11.2 points per game while shooting over 42 percent from three-point range. Nixon's ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for others has been critical to SEU's ball movement and spacing, particularly in conference play.
Anthony Kangah rounds out Southeastern's core contributors, averaging 10.7 points per game while shooting better than 42 percent from beyond the arc. Kangah provides scoring punch and versatility on the wing, allowing SEU to maintain offensive balance and depth throughout its rotation.
Ave Maria enters Wednesday's matchup as one of the Sun Conference's most efficient offensive teams, carrying an 18–1 overall record and a perfect 7–0 mark in league play. The Gyrenes average 92.4 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and close to 39 percent from three-point range, with balanced scoring throughout the lineup and strong interior production led by conference rebounding leader Alex Sherwood.
The series between Southeastern and Ave Maria dates back to 2009 and has been one of the Sun Conference's more competitive matchups. Southeastern holds a 23–13 advantage in the all-time series, including a strong 13–3 record at home, though the Gyrenes have controlled the recent trend. Ave Maria has won six of the last 10 meetings, including each of the last two contests, both coming away from Lakeland.
Florida Memorial brings a 13–7 overall record and a 5–3 Sun Conference mark into Saturday's contest, having won six of its last 10 games. The Lions average 75.3 points per game and rely on defensive pressure, ranking among the conference leaders in steals, with Devin Carter leading the way offensively and multiple contributors providing balance.
The series between Southeastern and Florida Memorial dates back to 2003 and has been closely contested over the years. Southeastern holds an 18–13 advantage in the all-time series, with success coming in all venues, including a 9–7 record at home and a 9–6 mark on the road. The matchup has remained competitive in recent seasons, with the Fire winning six of the last 10 meetings.
Looking ahead, SEU will remain in Sun Conference action next week with another two-game stretch. The Fire travel to Brunswick, Ga., on Wednesday, January 28, for a 7:30 p.m. matchup at Coastal Georgia, before returning home to The Furnace on Saturday, January 31, to host Webber International at 7 p.m.
