Falcons Run Out of Gas Versus SEU

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. - It was a defensive battle on Thursday night. It ended with the Florida College Falcons (1-1) falling to the Southeastern University Fire (1-0).

The Falcons came out swinging early, scoring a dunk on the first possession by Sam Brown from Ladarron Cleveland, and following it up with a Matt Simpson three, to take a 5-0 lead. SEU would go on a run of their own and take as big as a ten-point lead midway through the first half. FC made their own run, cutting the deficit to six at the half.

FC would battle back in the second half to take a two-point lead with 8 minutes to go. After trading baskets, SEU eventually pulled away late. Sophomore Riley Minix hit tough shot after tough shot down the stretch and the Fire defense held strong to earn the victory.

This game saw both teams shoot under 40% from the field. The Falcons were led in scoring by junior guard Bryan Chong with 16 points. Matt Simpson and Jalon Perry chipped in 11 each. Perry grabbed 9 rebounds and Simpson grabbed 6. Simpson struggled with first-half foul trouble and eventually fouled out of the contest. Sam Brown grabbed 10 boards as well.

"Overall, it's disappointing to lose a game like that," said head coach Chase Teichmann. "But that's a phenomenal team on the other side. Minix is a terrific player that made some really big, tough shots for them late. They are extremely well-coached and talented. There is a reason they are as successful as they are, and I think we showed tonight were capable of playing with anybody. We have some stuff we need to work on to get where we want to be, but I'm confident we will get there."

The Falcons will hit the road for the first time this season on Saturday, as they take on the Warner University Royals (2-0).