Score: No. 6 Keiser Seahawks 72, No. 5 Ave Maria Gyrenes 86
Records: No. 6 Keiser (14-2, 5-1 SUN), No. 5 Ave Maria (17-1, 6-0 SUN)
Location: Student Life Center – West Palm Beach, Fla.
Ave Maria Starters: Jaylen White (G), Jack Watkins (G), Michael Klekas (G), Jonathan Effertz (G), Alex Sherwood (F)
Keiser Starters: Loghan Downie (G), Jackson Slater (G), Camerin James (F), Mathew Shea (G), Cameron Baldwin (F)

No. 6 Keiser men's basketball suffered its first Sun Conference loss of the season, falling 86-72 to No. 5 Ave Maria on Wednesday night at the Student Life Center. The defeat dropped the Seahawks to 14-2 overall and 5-1 in SUN play, while the Gyrenes remained unbeaten in conference action at 6-0.

The Seahawks came out firing in the first half, building an early lead behind strong performances from Jackson Slater and Braylen Meredith. Camerin James opened the scoring with a layup off a Slater assist, and Keiser controlled the pace early. Slater was virtually unstoppable in the opening period, pouring in 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field, including 2-of-2 from three-point range. Meredith provided a huge spark off the bench, going 5-of-5 from the field for 10 first-half points. The duo's efficiency helped Keiser weather Ave Maria's offensive spurts, particularly from Jonathan Effertz, who kept the Gyrenes within striking distance. The Seahawks built their offense inside-out, with Jonathan Paul and Cameron Baldwin contributing key baskets in the paint. Santiago Henriquez came off the bench to dish out three first-half assists. The game featured two ties early on, but Keiser established control midway through the period and never relinquished the lead. Keiser took a 42-35 advantage into halftime, capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Slater that gave the Seahawks a seven-point cushion heading into the locker room.

The second half, however, told a completely different story. Keiser stumbled out of the break, and Ave Maria seized control with a devastating offensive run. The Gyrenes caught fire from three-point range and in the paint. Loghan Downie fought to keep Keiser competitive, finishing with 14 points and six rebounds while battling foul trouble throughout the contest. However, the Seahawks struggled to contain Ave Maria's attack in the final 10 minutes. With the score knotted at 62, the Gyrenes went on a 13-2 run with Effertz continuing to lead the way. AMU would hold onto that 10-point lead for the remainder of the contest, keeping Keiser at arm's length.

Keiser will not have much time to think about the loss, as they will travel to Florida Memorial on Saturday, January 17. Tipoff from the FMU Wellness Center in Miami Gardens is set for 4:00 p.m.
 

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• Keiser falls to 14-2 overall and 5-1 in Sun Conference play
• The loss snaps Keiser's 14-game winning streak and 13-game winning streak at home
• KU drops to 14-3 at home against Ave Maria all-time
• Slater led the Seahawks with 18 points on the night and added a team-best four assists
• Downie contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and led the team with four steals
• Baldwin finished tied for the lead in rebounds with six while collecting three blocks
• Meredith provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, 10 coming in the first half 
• Keiser won the rebounding battle by just one, 33-32
• KU has now outrebounded opponents in all but two games this season
• The Seahawks had their best night of the year from the free throw line, shooting 85.7% from the charity stripe

 

• Ties: 2
• Lead Changes: 2
• Largest Lead: Keiser (9); Ave Maria (14)

Keiser will not have much time to think about the loss, as they will travel to Florida Memorial on Saturday, January 17. Tipoff from the FMU Wellness Center in Miami Gardens is set for 4:00 p.m.

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