FNU’s comeback efforts fall short against the Warriors

FNU's comeback efforts fall short against the Warriors graphic.
FNU’s comeback efforts fall short against the Warriors. (Dec. 18, 2023)

(Box Score)

HIALEAH, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2023) – Florida National’s men’s basketball team earned another tough loss on Dec. 18, falling to the Midland University Warriors 96-89. FNU allowed the Warriors to shoot 30 free throws after committing 24 personal fouls in the loss. The Warriors outrebounded FNU 37-32 and forced 11 Conquistador turnovers.

In the first half, Midland got ahead 41-37 after the first half. Cameron Johnson led all FNU scores with 13 points, and FNU’s bench produced 10 points. Gary Adams had a great first half with nine points, five boards and two assists. Midland’s Jake Orr had a strong 14 minutes of play with 12 points on 2-2 shooting from the three point line. Adams had FNU’s four final points in the half to cut the Warrior lead to four.

The second half was competitive after a Jonathan Mills layup made it a one-point Warrior lead at 18:04. But four made free throws put Midland up 52-47. Midland grew its lead to ten on a three from Ryan Larsen with 11 minutes left to play. Freshman Matias Montezuma knocked down a clutch three of his own to make it a 68-61 ball game. Unfortunately for FNU, this would be the last time the game was within reach, as Midland pulled away in the final stretch, outscoring FNU for the seven-point victory. 

Johnson had 23 points in the loss, while Ray Daniel Parrish bounced back from a tough afternoon against Florida Memorial University with a 20-point performance. 

Up Next: Florida National hosts Southeastern on Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.

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