FNU executes comeback win in home finale. (Jan. 24, 2024)
(Box Score)
HIALEAH, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2024) – Florida National University’s men’s basketball team avoided an upset to improve to 2-2 in Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) play after an 87-78 win over the Morris College Hornets. The Conquistadors trailed at the half 37-36, falling behind by as many as six in the first period. A solid offensive performance and 51.6% shooting in the second half helped FNU edge out the Hornets in its final home game of the 2023-24 season at Bucky Dent Park.
Before tipoff, seniors Jovan Debrito, Jonathan Mills and Ray Daniel Parrish were all honored for their contribution as Conquistadors both on and off the court. When play commenced, the Hornets were eager to take the early lead and did so on 46.9% shooting in the first half and 12 points from Antonio Vaught. Parrish was FNU’s leading scorer in the first with 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists. With under three minutes left on the clock, FNU trailed 37-31 but a made three from Matias Montezuma and a pair of free throws from Parrish cut MC’s advantage to one.
In the second half, the Hornets were able to weather an early Conquistador rally and take a 52-44 lead on a layup from Vaught. But FNU continued to attack the basket and minutes later a clutch layup from Parrish tied up the contest at 59. From that point on, FNU put on a show on the offensive end, outscoring MC 51-41 in the frame. Debrito was a great contributor with 23 points in the period and three made threes. Girardi Cubillan had a thunderous dunk in the half on his way to eight points off the bench in FNU’s second conference win this season.
Debrito and Parrish had 27 and 24 points to lead all FNU scorers. Cubillan posted a team-high eight rebounds.
Up Next: Florida National has two conference games in the CAC Classic at Crowley’s Ridge College starting Feb. 2 versus the Pioneers at 2 p.m.
