Conquistadors overpowered by No. 22 Lions 115-60 graphic.
Conquistadors overpowered by No. 22 Lions 115-60. (Dec. 16, 2023)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2023) – Florida National University’s men’s basketball was no match for the No. 22 Florida Memorial University Lions Saturday after falling by 55 points on the road. FNU gave up 56 points in the first half and shot 29.8% from the field in a contest the Lions dominated from start to finish. FMU went 20-36 from behind the three point line and had six players in double figures.

The opening half was an omen of what was to come for the Conquistadors, as FNU posted just 15 points in the frame. With seven costly turnovers and 0-10 shooting from long range, Florida National gave FMU every opportunity to take control of the game. The Lions were electric on offense with nine made threes and 21-38 shooting from the floor. Calvin Payton posted 23 points in 16 minutes of play. Cameron Johnson led all FNU scorers with eight points while Jonathan Mills and Gary Adams recorded three.

When play resumed after halftime, one of the few bright spots for FNU was another stellar performance from Adams. The guard had 17 points, two assists and three rebounds in a frame completely dominated by the Lions. FMU put up 59 points on 11-20 shooting from three. FNU was shooting the ball better at 45.5% from the floor, even knocking down four threes. But the Lions were able to salt the game away off an extremely explosive first half. Matias Montezuma scored 11 points on four of six shooting in the period.

Adams and Johnson had a team-high 20 points while FMU’s Payton led all scorers with a 30 burger. Mills produced five points off the bench.

Up Next: Florida National looks to bounce back with an 8 p.m. game against Midland University on Dec. 18.