LAKELAND, Fla. – Timely shooting and a late defensive stand helped tenth-ranked Warner University get past cross-county rivals Southeastern University in overtime on Wednesday night.  The Royals overcame a four point halftime deficit and a 13 point deficit in the second half to force overtime then outscored the Fire 21-10 in the extra period to win 81-70.  The win in the second in Sun Conference play this year for the Royals and their 11^th overall (11-3).  The Fire fall to 10-6 overall and remain winless so far this season in league play (0-3).

The Royals got off to a terrible start with three turnovers and four missed field goals in their first four minutes of action as the Fire opened the game on a 7-0 run.  Nick Macon drained a pair of free throws at the 15:05 mark to open the Royals' scoring. 

Overall the Royals shot 32.3% in the first half and were just 1-for-8 shooting from behind the arc.  The Fire led by as many as 11 points in the first half but the Royals cut the deficit to just four going into halftime, 30-26.  Warren Hall led all players with 15 first half points. 

The Warner offense was slow to start again in the second half and the Fire took advantage extending their lead to a game-high 13 points, 54-41, by the 12:27 mark.  Two possessions later, Hall scored in the paint and the Royals' comeback was on.  With 4:25 left on the clock the Royals had cut the Fire's lead down to one, 56-55, thanks to a 15-2 run.

In the final three minutes, the Royals' defense forced three turnovers to keep it a one-possession game.  With 50 seconds left Eddie Delegal sank two free throws to make it a one point game again, 60-59.  Then after a steal by Warren Hall on Southeastern's ensuing possession Jamie Anderson was fouled with 11 seconds left and made the first of two free throws to tie the game at 60-60.  Anderson's second free throw missed the mark and the two teams headed to overtime.

In the extra period Southeastern scored first to break the tie but Hall answered right back with another bucket in the paint.  From there the Royals took over with an impressive 15-0 run and led 77-62 with 45 seconds left on the clock.  The Warner defense forced four turnovers during the run and held the Fire to a 0-for-4 shooting performance.  Anderson hit a pair of three pointers during the run as well to help spark the Royals.

Overall it was a 21-10 run by the Royals in the overtime period as they held on for the 81-70 victory.  Warren Hall led all scorers with his fourth 30-point game of the season. 
The junior finished with 33 points and nine rebounds.  Eddie Delegal picked up his seventh double-double of the year scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.  Delegal led the defense as well with five steals in the game.

Antonio Ansley also scored 15 points for the Royals adding five rebounds.  Jamie Anderson finished with 10 points and two steals.

The No. 10 Royals return home on Saturday, Jan. 9, to welcome in crosstown rivals Webber International University for a 4 p.m. tip-off in the Turner Athletic Center.


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