LAKELAND, Fla. -- Southeastern Women's Basketball continued its strong late-season surge Saturday night, defeating Webber International 77–71 at The Furnace for its sixth straight victory, while also clinching a spot in the Sun Conference Tournament and reaching the 20-win mark for the third straight season and the 12th time in the last 13 years. The win pushed the Fire to 20–3 overall and 10–1 in Sun Conference play.
The contest carried a postseason feel from the opening tip, with both teams trading momentum throughout the first half. Webber shot efficiently early to grab a 19–17 lead after one quarter. Southeastern responded in the second period with improved ball movement and interior play, but neither side could create separation, sending the game into halftime tied at 34–34.
The turning point came in the third quarter, when the Fire delivered their most complete stretch of the night. Southeastern outscored Webber 24–14 in the frame, shooting 50 percent from the floor while mixing inside scoring with timely three-point shooting. The Fire also capitalized at the free-throw line, repeatedly attacking the basket to keep the Warriors on their heels. That balanced run allowed SEU to build a lead it would protect the rest of the way.
Grace Field led the charge with a standout all-around performance, recording a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. She added six assists and five steals, impacting the game on both ends. Field was especially clutch at the line, going 10-of-14 on free throws and converting key attempts in the final minutes.
Mya Herman added 21 points and provided a major perimeter spark, knocking down four three-pointers that helped stretch the defense.
Alley Haas chipped in 10 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting night, including two makes from beyond the arc.
Southeastern's depth again proved valuable, as the bench contributed 18 points.
Sarah Davis scored eight with two three-pointers, while
Ellah Kissell and
Rosa Redondo Sorribes supplied key defensive minutes and rebounding during pivotal stretches.
Webber mounted a late rally in the fourth quarter, trimming what had been an 11-point Southeastern lead down to a single-possession game in the closing minute. Each time the Warriors threatened, however, the Fire answered with poise. Strong free-throw shooting and timely stops allowed Southeastern to close out the win and extend its streak.
The Fire return to action on Wednesday, February 4, when they travel to face St. Thomas at 5:30 p.m. in Miami Gardens, Florida, looking to carry their momentum into another key Sun Conference matchup.
