A relentless fast break offense and tenacious defense proved enough to push third-ranked Florida National to a 96-83 win over Blue Lights in men's basketball Saturday afternoon in Hialeah, Florida.
It probably didn't help any that the BLC bus broke down in West Palm Beach and the team didn't get to its hotel until 2:30 am Saturday.
The Thoroughbreds (9-10) played neck-and-neck with the Conquistadors through the first ten minutes, taking their first lead on an alley-oop pass from Darian Williams to Chris Dickey in transition to put BLC up 15-13. FNU climbed back to take control and lead 50-43 at the break.
FNU (20-6), riding a number three ranking in USCAA Division 1, extended the lead to double-digits within the first minute of the second half and continued to pour it on behind their transition offense and inside size, leading by as many as 24, 74-50, with less than 13 minutes to play.
The Herd wasn't done, however, going on an 11-2 scoring run in a four-minute stretch to cut the deficit to 86-78 with 2:33 to play. But that is as close as they would get as time ran down.
The two teams will meet again at 1:00 pm Sunday.
