HIALEAH, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2023) – Florida National University was unable to mount a comeback win against the Midland University Warriors on its first day of the Cruzin Classic hosted by St. Thomas University. The Warriors (3-9) attempted a staggering 31 shots from the free throw line, connecting on 21 of them in the contest. Ten threes from the Warriors also helped push them just ahead of a talented FNU (3-6) squad fresh off two straight wins.
In the opening half, Florida National fell behind by just five points after the first period. Janelisse Marty Marrero got off to a great start with five points and three rebounds. Jenna Weber and Sarah Shepard combined for 11 points in the frame, while Aryannah Harrison was responsible for all six Warrior points from the bench. FNU entered halftime trailing 39-28 following a solid 22-point second quarter for Midland. In nine minutes of play, Adalis Arroyo had six points while guard Catalina Valenzuela showed positive signs of offensive improvement with six points heading into halftime.
The Warriors saw their 11-point lead come under attack as FNU went on a 6-0 run through the first two minutes of the third quarter. A stellar steal from Gabriela Solis led to a clutch three from Marty Marrero, making it a 41-37 lead for the Warriors. But Midland gained some momentum to take a 46-37 lead on a Harrison jumper. FNU ended the third just how they started it, trailing by double figures.
In the fourth, Arroyo was lights out from the floor, picking up five quick points to cut Midland’s lead to four. Made layups from Hermione Hicks and Valenzuela tied the game and left the door open for either team to take control of the lead. A crafty score near the basket from Marty Marrero put FNU up 59-57 before the Warriors went on to outscore the Conquistadors 9-3 for their third win of the season.
Marty Marrero had a team-high 15 points and eight rebounds, while Arroyo and Valenzuela recorded 12 and 13 points, respectively.
Up Next: Florida National takes on Dakota Wesleyan University for its final day of the Cruzin Classic tomorrow at 6 p.m.
