Box Score COLUMBIA, S.C. | Florida Memorial University wins its first game of the season after a second-half comeback against NCAA DII team Allen, 38-31 in South Carolina. The Lions were down 10 points going into the half, but for the second straight week, they allowed zero second-half points, culminating in them taking the lead with just over a minute in the game and holding off Allen to take the win.

Allen got on the board first with two drives that put them up 9-0. Senior David Buggs closed the gap by finding receiver Jalen Holly for a 40-yard touchdown to make the score 9-7. The Buggs/Holly connection made its second appearance in the second quarter, with a 41-yard touchdown that gave FMU a 14-10 lead. Allen retook the lead by three points before Buggs threw his third touchdown of the night, this one to running back Tremaine Hughes, to give the Lions a 21-17 lead. Allen would resume the lead before the half, making the score 31-21.

The Lions went to work in the second half. Down by 10, they cut the gap to three in the third quarter off a 37-yard touchdown catch from junior Godsen Sinelien. In the fourth quarter, kicker Sean Egloff Vega kicked a 24-yard field goal to tie the game 31-31. With 1:17 to go, Buggs led a phenomenal drive that culminated in a six-yard touchdown to tight end Henry Calixte, his fifth passing TD of the night, and the game-winner. The defense held off Allen in the final minutes to give FMU its first win of the season.

Buggs was lights out against Allen, going 21-of-36 for 420 yards and five passing touchdowns. Holly led the receiving corps with 196 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches. Sophomore Gabriel Jason had a phenomenal performance, catching five targets for 120 yards, second on the team in receiving yards. Senior Nygel Osborne led the team in rushing, on 10 attempts for 78 yards.

On defense, junior Jermaine Dalias continues his incredible season, totaling a team-leading eight tackles along with a pass breakup. Graduate student Khari Fields added to his interception total, racking up two picks against Allen in the win.

On special teams, Vega was 1-of-2 on field goals.

The win moves FMU to 1-1 on the season.

The Lions return to action Saturday, September 19 for the home opener against Reinhardt. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium. Purchase your tickets using the link here.