BABSON PARK, Fla. - Webber International University Men's Basketball team won in a thriller tonight against conference opponent Florida Memorial University with the final score of 56-54.

Tonight was a distinctive night as WIU recognized eleven seniors that have been a part of the basketball program for the 2012-2013 season. The seniors recognized were Al Wray, Michael Bonilla, Johnson Mesidor, Julian Bottin, Mark Monforte, Jakeem Hill, Tyler Auerbacher, David Swan, Taula Koloamatangi, Tristan Choo Quan and Gabriel Rutledge.
The Warriors controlled the game the first half despite shooting just 34 % from the field and 27% from 3 point range. The score at halftime was 23-20 in favor of Webber.

The second half was battle tested for the Warriors as the Lions rebound the ball which resulted in easy baskets. Gabriel Rutledge and sharp shooter Tyler Auerbacher scored a combine 16 point in the second half that helped the Warriors to maintain the lead. Both teams traded baskets late in the game and Florida Memorial was able to take the lead on a pair of free throws by Bryan Portillo with 3:32 left in regulation. It was the first lead for the Lions since the opening tip when Michael Baptiste scored the first layup. Senior forward Jakeem Hill then tied the game at 53 after sinking the first free throw while shooting in the bonus. He missed the second free throw. With less than one minute remaining in the game. Jakeem Hill once again scored on a put back shot of a missed shot from Gabriel Rutledge with 44 seconds left on the clock to put the Warriors up 3 points. On the ensuing possession, Michael Baptiste was fouled on a three point shot with 1.4 second left in regulation. He made the first free throw and missed the second. FMU called a time out and designed a final play that would allow Baptiste to intentionally miss the third free throw but the ball bounced in favor of WIU and Brian Pace grabbed the final rebound of the game while the horn went off to signal the end of the game.

Leading the Warriors in scoring was both  Jakeem Hill and Tyler Auerbacher who scored 13 points each. Gabriel Rutledge added 12 points and Johnson Mesidor chipped in with 9 points of the bench. Brian Pace led the Warriors with 6 assists and Jakeem Hill tallied 5 blocks for WIU.

The Warriors are waiting to see who they will play in The Sun Conference tournament which begins next weekend. WIU has solidified a guaranteed first round home game which will be played next week Saturday in The Sabbagh Center. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.