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.
