LAKELAND, Fla. – Faulkner took over down the stretch Friday, besting Southeastern 78-56 in the SSAC-Sun Challenge. The game largely stayed within two possessions until the 14:35 mark of the second half. Makai Vassell made a free throw to even things at 41 before the Eagles erupted offensively.
Jayden Cooper scored on a drive ahead of a
Jonathan Garcia jumper.
J.C. Norris ripped a three and Cooper followed with one of his own. Garcia converted a jumper and Norris made a pair of free throws, completing a 14-0 run that left Faulkner ahead 55-41 by the 10:32 mark the second half.
The Eagles put together another run late that saw Cooper make a three before a
T.J. Williams layup. Cooper added five more points to complete a 13-2 run and leave the Lady Eagles up 23.
The Eagles shot 53.4 percent from the floor and 38.2 percent from three. Faulkner won the rebound battle 44-30.
Cooper finished with 37 points including seven made threes. Garcia added 13 points while Norris had 11. Williams snagged 17 rebounds.
Faulkner (2-1) plays an exhibition against Atlantis Friday, Nov. 10 before facing Keiser Saturday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.
