LAKELAND, Fla. – No. 25 Southeastern turned a brief third-quarter setback into a statement finish Saturday afternoon, pulling away from Florida Memorial for a 72–56 win at The Furnace to complete the season sweep.
After controlling much of the first half, the Fire absorbed Florida Memorial's best stretch of the game early in the third quarter. The Lions used a 12–2 run to take a 43–39 lead, but the response from Southeastern was immediate and emphatic. The Fire rattled off 12 consecutive points to regain the lead and reestablish control, a surge that defined the remainder of the afternoon.
From that point forward, Southeastern dictated pace and possession. The Fire closed the third quarter with momentum and then dominated the fourth, outscoring Florida Memorial 26–13 over the final 10 minutes. Southeastern shot 56.3 percent in the fourth quarter and went a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line, steadily stretching the margin and closing the door without allowing another serious push.
Defensive pressure played a central role throughout the game. Southeastern forced 22 Florida Memorial turnovers and converted them into 25 points, repeatedly turning stops into offense. The Fire limited second chances, stayed disciplined in transition defense, and consistently disrupted passing lanes to prevent Florida Memorial from finding rhythm.
Offensively, Southeastern leaned on balance rather than a single scoring option. Eight players scored at least six points as the Fire shared the ball and found quality looks across all four quarters.
Mya Herman paced the effort with 13 points and nine rebounds, anchoring the interior while providing stability during key stretches.
Mafalda Chambel added 10 points, while
Kristiana Kulackovska and
Alley Haas each scored nine.
Ellah Kissell and
Sarah Davis both contributed nine and eight points respectively, providing a spark off the bench, while
Rosa Redondo Sorribes and
Grace Field rounded out the scoring. Field impacted the game beyond the box score, finishing with six points, five steals, four assists, and five rebounds, helping fuel Southeastern's pressure-oriented approach.
Southeastern finished the game shooting 43.9 percent from the floor and 40.9 percent from three-point range, while holding Florida Memorial to 41.8 percent shooting overall. The Fire also recorded 15 assists on 25 made field goals, continuing a trend of efficient, unselfish play.
Southeastern will hit the road next, traveling to Coastal Georgia for a conference matchup on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. in Brunswick, Ga.
