MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — RV Florida Southern men's basketball (21-8, 13-6 Sunshine State) edged past Barry (15-12, 10-9 Sunshine State) with a narrow 84-82 victory on Wednesday at the Health & Sports Center. Florida Southern's seven blocked shots and 12 steals contributed significantly to its tight win.
"Gritty win for us tonight," stated Moccasins' head coach
Mike Donnelly. "Really proud of our guys. Barry is a tough team, but our guys battled for 40 minutes. We knew this game was not going to be easy, but we found a way to grind out a massive win."
Florida Southern started the first half with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by
Jasir Tremble's scoring, including a key jumper at 6 seconds remaining that secured the lead. The team effectively moved the ball, recording 17 field goals on 35 attempts, and capitalizing on fast breaks with 7 points.
Amare Miller contributed on the boards, helping to maintain possession and facilitating second-chance opportunities.
Defensively, Florida Southern matched the Bucs' intensity, collecting 5 steals and equaling BU's 2 blocks. The game was closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads and ties throughout the half. The half closed with the Moccasins holding a narrow edge, leading 43-41.
The second half was marked by a tight exchange of leads and intense play. The Moccasins showcased resilience, starting with
Ameer Ramadan's free throws at 18:05 to narrow the gap.
Brady Corso's layup at 17:00 and subsequent free throw expanded the Moccasins' lead, but the Bucs quickly responded to keep the score close.
Midway through the half, Tremble's three-pointer at 10:17 reclaimed a slim margin for FSC. Defensive efforts, including blocks by
Khalil Ross and
Spencer Schomers, helped maintain that edge. Ramadan's consistent scoring from the line and a key jumper at 00:27 were instrumental in sustaining the lead.
In the closing moments, Tremble secured crucial free throws at 00:03, extending FSC's advantage to five points. Despite a late three-pointer from the Bucs, Florida Southern ended the half with an 84-82 lead, keeping the competition fierce and tightly contested.
Tremble led with a career-high 24 points, shooting 10 of 17 from the field and adding two steals. Ramadan contributed 21 points and secured three steals, making 8 of 9 free throws. Miller recorded his fourth straight double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, and added three steals. Corso added 18 points, converting all six of his free-throw attempts and making two 3-pointers.
Looking ahead, the Mocs return home to host Nova Southeastern on Saturday, Feb. 28 for Senior Night. The final regular season matchup is set for 6 p.m. at George W. Jenkins Field House in Lakeland, Florida.
