Box Score HIALEAH, Fla. – For all that went right for Florida Memorial Wednesday as it rallied from a two-point halftime deficit to build as large as an 11-point lead midway through the second half, the Lions couldn't make enough "winning plays" late as they fell 90-86 in overtime to host Florida National University Wednesday night at Bucky Dent Gymnasium.
Heading into overtime knotted at 79, the Lions (2-7), who will travel to face neighborhood and Sun Conference rival St. Thomas University this coming Saturday (Dec. 7), took an 83-82 lead with 1:25 left to play in the extra period. That lead, however, would be FMU's last of the night as Florida National scored three unanswered buckets – two being sparked by Lions turnovers – to take an 88-83 lead with less than 25 seconds left.
Sophomore
Jordan Collins hit a corner three-pointer to make it 88-86 with two seconds left but the Conquistadores closed the door with a pair of free throws – sealing the final 90-86 margin.
Wednesday loss probably carried an extra bit of frustration for the Lions because they had tangible opportunities to snare the victory as it hung in the balance.
Florida Memorial (2-7) held a 77-73 lead with just over a minute to play in regulation after a
Jordan Martin layup. After Florida National pulled within one – 77-76 – with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, FMU could've extended its lead back to three but
Freddy Reeves Jr. split a pair of free throws – leaving it 78-76.
Florida National pulled within one again after knocking down just one of two shots from the charity stripe. Trailing by one with 32 seconds left, FNU fouled Martin and sent him to the line for two free throws. Martin missed the first free throw and netted the second, leaving the Lions clinging to a two-point lead – instead of a three-point lead – with 16 seconds left in the second half.
The Conquistadores ultimately tied the game at 79 with a driving layup following a timeout. FMU did have one last shot at the win in regulation, but Martin's desperation heave clanged off the rim and the game went into overtime.
Still, Florida Memorial junior center
Mubashar Ali turned in his best performance of the season. The 7-footer, who is among the country's leaders in total rebounding, scored a game-high 33 points and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.
Cheikh Kebe added 20 points and nine boards for the Lions and Martin 15 points, five boards, three assists, and two steals.
