HIALEAH, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2024) – Florida National University men’s basketball team (6-12) grabbed another critical Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) win on Feb. 2, this time over the Crowley’s Ridge College Pioneers (3-19) at the CAC Classic. Florida National improved to 3-2 in CAC play this season in style, dominating the Pioneers from start to finish for its second straight win 104-72. The Conquistadors came into Paragould, Arkansas, off a thrilling 87-78 home win over Morris College on Jan. 24.
Florida National ended the first half up 55-31 with three conquistadors in double figures. Guard Ray Daniel Parrish led the charge with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, as the Pioneers struggled to get anything going on the offensive end. CRC shot 28.6% from the field and gave up nine points on six turnovers before the break. FNU was able to get anything they wanted on offense, shooting in the high 50 for the period and going 9-10 from the free throw line. The Conquistadors also dominated the boards 27-12.
Seniors Jovan Debrito and Jonathan Mills found their shots early, picking up 13 and 12, respectively, before both teams headed to halftime. When play resumed in the second frame, CRC did find some rhythm on offense, shooting 44.4% from the floor, but could not disrupt FNU’s efficiency to help its case for a comeback.
FNU outscored Crowley’s Ridge 49-41 and continued to dominate the glass with 21 rebounds to the Pioneers’ 17. FNU moved the ball well en route to 13 team assists, four of which came from Ronald Fernandez. Debrito went 3-6 from three and had 13 points in 14 minutes of play. Girardi Cubillan had some important minutes down the stretch and posted 10 points, going 4-4 from the charity stripe. CRC’s Braxton Cousins and Jerrodney Tubbs were the Pioneers’ leading scorers in the frame with 10 and six, respectively.
Debrito had 26 points and four dimes in the win. Parrish had a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Cubillan was credited with 16.
Up Next: FNU clashes with Arkansas Baptist tomorrow at 4 p.m.
