Five Conquistadors ended the night in double figures as FNU earns 86-72 win over Ave Maria
HIALEAH, Fla. ( Dec. 14, 2022) – With an easy wide-open layup with 16 seconds left in the ball game, Florida National University’s Gabriel Casillas put the finishing touches on a much-needed win over the Gyrenes of Ave Maria University. FNU (2-7) came into the contest nursing a four-game losing streak while the Gyrenes were on the rise after capturing a victory against the NAIA’s No.17 Southeastern University Fire. This 86-72 win marks the first home win of the season for FNU and just the second win overall this season.
FNU owes this impressive win to a brilliant performance on offense from key role players. Jesus Rivas made a splash with eight points on 4-10 shooting. The center displayed his footwork underneath and had a crafty 15-foot jumper in the early going of the contest that helped the Conquistadors secure a 36-30 advantage in the first half.
Matthew Robinson and Casillas were credited with 14 and 10 points, respectively, as the Conquistadors shot 45.5% (5-11) from behind the three-point line. This outshined FNU’s respectable shooting from the rest of the field at 38.5% (15-39).
With a six-point lead in the second, FNU took on a turnstile of Ave Maria players subbing in and out to get some momentum going. The Gyrenes were aggressive in their attack, taking on FNU defender one-on-one for easy scoop layups and some wide-open three-pointers.
A jumper from the outside cooly delivered by Lucas Uzdavinis solidified a 66-65 AMU lead. Four quick points from Yasmani Torriente put the Conquistadors back on top and Jovan Debrito put together a stellar second half with 14 points including four three pointers from Stephen Curry-range. FNU’s explosive offensive coupled with eight Gyrene turnovers in the second delivered a classic conquistador win.
Five Conquistadors ended the night in double figures as Torriente, Robinson, Casillas, Debrito and Ronald Fernandez recorded 22, 16, 14, 14 and 12, respectively. Torriente had team-high eight rebounds and Robinson picked up five steals.
Up Next: FNU men’s basketball goes on a week break before returning to Bucky Dent for the FNU Christmas Classic.
