BABSON PARK, Fla. – Senior guard
Omar Outar poured in a game-high 25 points – one of five Lions to score in double figures – and Florida Memorial overcame a late foul call that could've sent the game to overtime to secure an 89-88 win over host Webber International University Thursday night at the Sabbagh Athletic Center.
While Outar registered the game-high, it was
Freddy Reeves Jr. that scored the be biggest bucket of the night. With the game tied at 87, Reeves drove to the basket was able to get a layup over the outstretched arms of Warriors defenders to put the Lions up 89-87 with five seconds left to play.
On the ensuing possession, the Lions were called for a foul with just one second left on the clock – sending Webber International's Tommie Luke to the free throw line. Luke made the first but missed the second. The Warriors were able to secure the rebound and call a timeout within that 1-second. Still, with time left on the clock, Luke tried win the game for the Warriors with a desperation floater that missed, securing Florida Memorial's 89-88 victory.
The Lions (2-4, 1-1), who will host Warner University at 4 p.m. this Saturday, showed grit and resolve in the victory Thursday, their first Sun Conference win of the season.
Late-game drama aside, Outar put on his best shooting performance of the season Thursday. He was hot from three-point range, knocking down 5-of-7 shots from long range – one of three FMU players to shoot at least 66 percent from behind the arc against Webber.
7-foot, junior
Mubashar Ali added 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds while
Jordan Martin and Reeves each scored 14 for the Lions. Also,
Cheikh Kebe was two boards shy of a double-double, finishing with eight to go along with 10 points in 28 minutes of action.