Conquistadors falter in rematch versus Keiser 81-60. (Nov. 21, 2023)
(Box Score)
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 21, 2023) – For the second time in the 2023-24 season, the Keiser University Seahawks (4-2) trounced Florida National University (1-4) on its home court. Keiser snagged an 81-60 win over the Conquistadors Tuesday, where Keiser outrebounded FNU 62-47. Florida National struggled to keep the Seahawks off the free throw line for a second game in a row, allowing Keiser to attempt 37 shots from the charity stripe.
In the opening half, FNU held a 4-0 lead to start the contest thanks to a couple of layups from Catalina Valenzuela and Delores Charlton. The Seahawks battled this early mode of aggression from the Conquistadors to take a 20-12 lead to end the first quarter. Mimmi Hahne was a vital part of her team’s run in the opening frame, as she posted seven points from the bench in just six minutes on the court.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth struggle, as Keiser secured a fragile 38-28 lead going into halftime. Valenzuela had a brilliant quarter with 11 points, three rebounds and a steal to lead all scorers in the frame. When both sides returned to the quarter in the third, Keiser took control of the match, posting 23 points in the frame. FNU went cold on offense, going 3-18 from the field for just 10 points in the third. Hahne continued her impressive campaign with seven points on 1-2 shooting from behind the three point line.
FNU faced a tough 23-point deficit heading into the fourth and was never able to recover from their less-than-ideal performance in the third. Notably, Hermione Hicks took advantage of some much-deserved time on the court and notched seven points in the period before the contest finished. FNU had serious foul trouble down the stretch with Valenzuela, Gabriela Solis and Adalis Arroyo all fouling out of the contest.
Valenzuela had a game-high 19 points while Janelisse Marty Marrero was able to overcome a tough 5-23 afternoon from the field for 17 points.
Up Next: FNU returns to action on Nov. 28 versus St. Thomas University at 7 p.m.
