LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU Men's Basketball faces a key week in Sun Conference play with two road contests. The Fire travel to Sarasota on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. matchup against New College of Florida, then head to Lake Wales on Saturday for a 4 p.m. game at Warner. Both games come at an important time in the conference race as Southeastern looks to strengthen its standing entering the final stretch.
Fans can follow the action live on the Urban Edge Network, available on the Urban Edge Network App for smart TVs and mobile devices or online at urbanedgenetwork.net. Live stats and in-game updates will also be provided through SEU Athletics' official platforms.
Southeastern enters the week at 20–5 overall and 9–4 in Sun Conference play, posting a strong .800 winning percentage. The Fire have been consistent regardless of venue with a 9–2 home record, 9–3 road mark, and 2–0 record at neutral sites. SEU has remained among the league's top teams throughout the season despite a recent setback.
Offensively, the Fire continue to rank among the NAIA's most efficient units. Southeastern averages 85.6 points per game while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range. The Fire also shoot 73.4 percent at the free throw line and average 15.0 assists per game, reflecting strong ball movement and efficient shot selection.
Defensively, Southeastern allows 76.0 points per game and holds opponents to 45.2 percent shooting overall and 32.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Fire have controlled the glass with a +6.7 rebound margin while adding 6.3 steals and 3.5 blocks per game, using length and activity to disrupt opposing offenses.
From a national perspective, Southeastern sits at No. 45 in NAIA RPI and No. 41 in the Massey Ratings, with the next NAIA ARC release scheduled for February 17. With the postseason picture taking shape, each remaining game carries added significance for SEU's tournament resume.
Mylo Santos has been the focal point of the Fire offense, averaging 18.0 points per game to rank among the Sun Conference leaders. He has totaled 449 points this season while also contributing 62 assists and 46 steals, making him a consistent two-way presence for Southeastern.
Daivion Traylor has provided elite interior efficiency, shooting an impressive .728 from the field while averaging 15.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. His production inside has given the Fire a steady scoring option in the paint.
Jayson Nixon serves as Southeastern's perimeter threat and primary distributor. He has connected on 67 three-pointers at a .432 clip, averages 12.7 points per game, and leads the team with 83 assists, balancing scoring and playmaking duties.
Nathan Mikkelson anchors the frontcourt with 10.9 points and a team-best 8.0 rebounds per game while also leading the squad with 39 blocks. His presence on the boards and at the rim has been a key factor on both ends.
Anthony Kangah rounds out the balanced attack, averaging 11.2 points per game while shooting .478 from the field, .393 from three, and .821 at the free throw line. His efficiency gives SEU another reliable scoring option on the wing.
New College of Florida enters Wednesday's game at 5–18 overall and 0–12 in Sun Conference play. The Mighty Banyans average 79.9 points per game and shoot 46.5 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three, but have struggled defensively, allowing 90.2 points per contest. Diego Eslava leads the team at 18.3 points per game with 77 made threes, while Giovanni Toscanini adds 14.5 points on 55 percent shooting. Shawn Lefresne contributes 13.2 points, a team-high 129 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game as the team's primary ball-handler.
The series with New College began in 2023, with Southeastern holding a 4–2 advantage. The Fire are 4–1 against the Banyans in Lakeland and 0–1 in Sarasota, and carry a two-game win streak in the matchup. Earlier this season, SEU earned a 92–78 home victory. Several meetings have been tightly contested, including a one-point game and an overtime decision in 2025.
Warner enters Saturday's contest at 5–18 overall and 2–9 in conference play. The Royals average 76.8 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting and 31.8 percent from three while allowing 80.0 points per contest. Bryson Castillo (15.5 ppg) and Josh Irwin (15.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg) pace the offense, while Jack Voth has averaged 22.0 points in limited action. Seth Childers adds 10.5 points per game and leads the team with 118 assists. Warner averages 7.6 steals per game but has been outrebounded by 3.6 boards per night.
The all-time series between Southeastern and Warner dates back to 2001, with the Fire holding a 23–19 edge. SEU is 12–9 at home and 7–14 in Lake Wales but has won three straight in the series and four of the last six. The Fire claimed a 95–87 victory in the first meeting this season, and recent matchups have frequently been decided by narrow margins.
SEU will close the regular season on Saturday, February 21, hosting Ave Maria at 4 p.m. inside The Furnace. The finale provides one final opportunity to solidify conference positioning and build momentum heading into the Sun Conference Tournament, with a strong home atmosphere expected in Lakeland.
