HIALEAH, Fla. (Dec. 4, 2023) – Florida National University’s hopes of an upset against the Barry University Buccaneers will have to take a back seat after a rough exhibition loss on Dec. 4. The Bucs (5-2) were strategic, jumping to a 45-18 lead at halftime and never looking back. Notably, FNU (2-4) had solid performances from Anthony Dudley and Daniel Perez in the early goings.Â
The opening frame saw Barry post 24 points in the paint and force 17 Conquistador turnovers. With 19 of their 45 points in the period coming from the bench, Barry was able to use their size and depth to knockout FNU right off the bat. Florida National struggled to put the ball in the net, shooting a mere 21% from the field with just eight scoring plays before the half. Dudley and Perez each had six points in the first, while Philip Cox used his speed to gain some separation for four points and three assists.
As the second half rolled around, Barry continued to rain haymakers on the Conquistadors, outscoring FNU 13-2 through the first five minutes of play. Jonathan Mills owned the lone four Conquistador points halfway through the frame until triples from Yuka Ingram and Zachary Arias barely ate way at Barry’s 43-point advantage with 10:32 left on the clock.
This would be the entirety of FNU’s for the frame until a three pointer from Noah Jaid late in the frame made it a 100-31 ball game. FNU ended the game shooting 13.9% from the field while Barry shot in the low seventies for the half.Â
Four Buccaneers ended the night in double figures.Â
Up Next: The Conquistadors look to keep their momentum going with a 6 p.m. contest against the Keiser Seahawks on the road.Â
