MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. ( Dec. 8, 2022) – Despite an encouraging start to the ball game, Florida National University’s men’s basketball team fell short of a victory for the sixth time this season, losing to the RV St. Thomas University Bobcats, 94-54. The Conquistadors (1-6) met an impeccable offensive team in the Bobcats (9-2) hungry for a win following a tough loss to Thomas University 84-69. This marks the third straight victory the Bobcats have tallied against the Conquistadors since the 2020 season, as the Bobcats are 7-1 versus FNU at home.
The Conquistadors held their own in the early goings of the contest, as three textbook free throws from Jovan Debrito tied up the ball game at 10 all. But the Bobcats went on a 7-3 run as a smooth three-pointer from Debrito finally stopped the bleeding momentarily for the Conquistadors.
FNU shot an abysmal 28.6% (8-28) from the floor in the first half and a mere 2-12 (16.7%) from behind the three-point line. With the Bobcats shooting 51.4% from the field and STU’s Milton Matthews hanging 24 in the first half, the home team nursed a comfortable 49-21 point lead at the break.
Things went from bad to worse for the Conquistadors in the second, as they only connected on two of 10 three-pointers attempted. With that facet of their offense completely shut down, FNU struggled in to secure rebounds trailing 51-32 in defensive boards for the evening. Notably, Girardi Cubillan came alive in the second for a team-high ten points after not scoring any points in the opening half. Matthew Robinson was one of the few consistent scorers for FNU with six points in the first and second halves.
FNU allowed 20 offensive rebounds to be swallowed up by the Bobcats, yet still managed to force 12 STU turnovers. STU outscored FNU 45-33 in the second frame and put a bow on its coveted ninth win for the year.
Debrito and Robinson led the way for FNU with 17 and 12 points, respectively. Cubillan snatched a team-high six rebounds and two steals.
Up Next: The Conquistadors host Warner University this Saturday at Bucky Dent Park. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
