HIALEAH, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2024) – Florida National University’s men’s basketball team (7-12) completed a perfect run at the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Classic hosted by Crowley’s Ridge College. FNU’s Feb. 3 battle versus the Arkansas Baptist College Buffaloes (7-13) saw the Conquistadors emerge with a 77-60 win to improve to 4-2 in conference play. Four FNU players ended their night in double figures as the Conquistadors went on to outrebound ABC 31-19.
The first half was a great showing for the conquistadors, as they headed into the break with a seven-point lead. Jovan Debrito picked up right where he left off in FNU’s 87-78 win over CRC the previous night, dropping 15 points in the first half. Debrito was feeling it from three, going 4-5 from long range. Ralph Laurent and Girardi Cubillan seized their opportunity to make an impact early, combining for 16 points.
ABC shot 39.3% from the floor while FNU shot 48.3% from the floor in the first half. Florida National outrebounded the Buffaloes 20-11 and both teams took care of the ball with just 10 combined turnovers.
When play resumed in the second, FNU was able to close out the game, outscoring the Buffaloes 42-32. After a scoreless first period, Ray Daniel Parrish recorded 12 points and seven rebounds in the half. Gary Adams also went to work for seven points and three rebounds off the bench. All ABC players were held to under ten points and FNU continued to dominate the basket, winning the rebounding battle 25-13.
For the third game in a row, Debrito led all FNU scorers with 21, while Parrish delivered a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Up Next: FNU tackles its final two CAC games beginning Feb. 7 versus Morris College in Sumter, SC.
