Score: No. 25 Keiser Seahawks 81, University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers 71
Records: No. 25 Keiser (6-1), UVI (1-3)
Location: Student Life Center – West Palm Beach, Fla.
Keiser Starters: Loghan Downie (G), Jaylen Lee (G), Camerin James (F), Jackson Slater (G), Cameron Baldwin (F)
Virgin Islands Starters: Chad Molloy (G), Evik Amy (G), Khari Person (F), Brandon Rasmussen (G), Sebastian Dokum (F)

Keiser men's basketball survived a physical, free-throw-heavy battle with Virgin Islands, emerging with an 81-71 victory on Tuesday night at the Student Life Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. The Seahawks extended their winning streak to six games despite a relentless effort from the Buccaneers.

The first half was a tightly contested affair that featured four ties and multiple momentum swings. Virgin Islands came out aggressive as Brandon Rasmussen had 16 first-half points including three three-pointers to keep the visitors competitive. But Keiser's bench provided a crucial spark, as Nadir Myers erupted for 12 first-half points while Santiago Henriquez added seven, helping the Seahawks build a 44-40 halftime cushion. The turning point came midway through the first half when Slater ignited the home crowd with back-to-back three-pointers, including a four-point play, to give Keiser a 22-13 advantage. The Seahawks pushed their lead to 11 at 38-27 before Virgin Islands clawed back to tie the game at 36 and 38 late in the period, setting up a dramatic finish.

The game turned into a free-throw shooting clinic in the second period, with Keiser attempting 24 free throws in the final 20 minutes alone. The Seahawks made the most of their opportunities, converting 18-of-24 in the half to slowly build an insurmountable lead. Myers' three-pointer with 3:25 remaining pushed the advantage to 78-64, effectively putting the game out of reach despite a late Virgin Islands rally.

Myers was sensational off the bench, finishing with a game-high 21 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. His ability to create his own shot and knock down clutch free throws down the stretch kept Virgin Islands at bay. Camerin James added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Lee contributed 13 points by converting 6-of-8 from the free-throw line in the second half. Slater controlled the offense with 10 points and six assists while adding four steals, showcasing his two-way impact. Jonathan Paul provided steady value off the bench with 10 points, all coming from the free-throw line and in the paint during the second half. The Seahawks' defense stiffened when it mattered most, forcing 23 turnovers and converting them into 24 points on the other end. Cameron Baldwin patrolled the paint with three blocks, while Downie and Baldwin each recorded two blocks in a collective rim-protection effort.

Keiser will get some much-needed rest before returning to the floor on Friday, December 5 against Fort Lauderdale. Tipoff from the Student Life Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. is set for 7:00 p.m.
 

  

• Keiser extends its winning streak to six games, improving to 6-1 overall
• On the home floor, KU now boasts a 4-0 record
• The Seahawks' bench dominated the game with 38 points compared to Virgin Islands' 18
• Myers led all scorers with 21 points on 6-of-7 shooting, adding 6-of-9 from the free-throw line
• Lee and James combined for 27 points
• Slater contributed 10 points, six assists, and four steals 
• Paul was perfect from the free-throw line, hitting all six attempts en route to 10 points
• Keiser converted 31-of-41 free throws (75.6%) in the game and went 5-of-7 in the final five minutes
• The Seahawks forced 23 turnovers, converting them into 24 points
• The 23 forced turnovers are the most since February 22 last season when KU forced 27 against Coastal Georgia
• The 12 steals by the Seahawks tied a season high
• Keiser's defense held Virgin Islands to 37.1% shooting from the field

 

• Ties: 4
• Lead Changes: 0
• Largest Lead: Keiser (14); UVI (N/A)

The Seahawks will return home for a game against the University of the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, November 25. Tipoff from the Student Life Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. is set for 6:00 p.m.

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