HIALEAH, Fla. (Dec. 10, 2022) – After losing its season opener in Lake Wales, Fla., the Florida National University men's basketball team (1-7)  looked to enact some revenge while hosting the Warner University Royals (7-5) at Bucky Dent Park. 

Unfortunately for the Conquistadors, they were unable to secure a win, falling 80-64. FNU has now lost four straight contests and four exhibition matches so far this season.

The first half saw the Royal shooting a cool 51.5% (17-33)  from the field, nursing a 42-24 lead at the break. Jovan Debrito had a team-high 10 points in the period as the Conquistadors went 50% (4-8) from behind the three-point line. 

Royal Joseph Martz had 12 points at the break and FNU struggled to silence the roar of the royals on the defensive end. After a tough night against St. Thomas University, Gabriel Casillas had an effective seven points on 2-3 shooting from behind the arc. 

In the second half, Warner continued an impressive offensive campaign, despite FNU outscoring the Royals 40-38. Debrito had a stellar night in the second half with 17 points while Casillas was able to put up nine points on 2-3 shooting from the field and a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line. 

Debrito had a solid night with a team-high 27 points, two rebounds and one assist. Casillas had a near double-double with 16 points and seven rebounds. FNU had a solid night from the charity stripe going 9-14 for the contest. 

Ronald Fernandez and Yasmani Torriente provided some much need production from the bench with eight and six points, respectively. 
 

Up Next: FNU men's basketball host Ave Maria next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.