LAKELAND, Fla. — The #15 Florida Southern College men's basketball team (1-1, 0-0 Sunshine State) fell to the University of Virginia's College at Wise (1-1, 0-0 SAC) in a close 93-91 contest at Jenkins Field House, finishing the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic 1-1 overall.
Florida Southern began the first half with a strong offensive performance, quickly establishing a rhythm with effective shooting from beyond the arc.
Amare Miller contributed with key baskets, including a 3-pointer early on, helping to maintain parity with the Cavaliers during the initial minutes.
As the half progressed, Florida Southern gained momentum with a series of scoring plays, including a fast-break 3-pointer by
Brady Corso, which widened the gap. The team capitalized on turnovers and defensive rebounds to build on their lead, with
Donovan Smith and
Ameer Ramadan adding to the scoreboard with crucial shots.
In the closing minutes of the half, the Moccasins extended their advantage with consistent shooting and defensive stops.
Spencer Schomers' layup in the final seconds capped off a productive first half, leaving the Mocs ahead 53-40.
Florida Southern began the second half with a layup from
Charlie Dalton, assisted by
Jasir Tremble, signaling an aggressive start. Miller added to the momentum with a jumper, but UVA Wise quickly responded, keeping the game competitive. Despite a strong defensive presence, including key blocks and rebounds, Florida Southern saw the Cavaliers gradually chip away at their lead.
As the half progressed, Miller continued to contribute, scoring a fast-break dunk and later converting on free throws, but UVA Wise maintained pressure with effective scoring in the paint. Florida Southern managed to narrow the gap towards the end, highlighted by a three-pointer from Ramadan and three clutch free throws from Corso in the final seconds, tying the score at 91. However, UVA Wise secured a last-minute layup, and Florida Southern's final attempt fell short, concluding the half with a close 93-91 deficit for the Moccasins.
Despite the loss, Miller set an SCB Hall of Fame Classic record for blocks in a single game with five, bringing his classic total to nine blocks over two games, also a classic record.
In their next game, Florida Southern will take on Clark Atlanta on Friday, Nov. 14. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at George W. Jenkins Field House in Lakeland, Florida.
