Eckerd-Palm Beach Atlantic Box Score
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Eckerd College men's basketball team shot 59 percent and had five players score in double figures during an 84-68 win over Palm Beach Atlantic on Tuesday.
Seniors John Harper and Dale Carn combined for 35 points and 13 rebounds, as the Tritons (2-1) won their home opener. Harper had 19 points, including 11 in the second half.
The duo helped overcome a torrid night from PBA's David Wood, who scored 36 points on 12-for-22 shooting.
Wood single-handedly gave the Sailfish (1-1) a 58-46 lead with 15:16 remaining. But the Tritons finally got the defense going, outscoring PBA 22-4 in the final 7:30.
“They have two very good guards, and we let them get going,” said Eckerd head coach Tom Ryan. “We were trying to find out who was going to play defense, and we finally had some guys give some great efforts to get back in it.
“I was proud of how our guys didn't panic and stuck with it when we got down by 12. But the question is why we had to let it get to that point to start playing defense.”
Wayne Sears Jr., had 15 points, and Lance Kearse contributed 14. Darrien Mack, who played a huge role in slowing Wood down midway through the second half, also had 10 points and five rebounds.
Eckerd shot 60 percent in the second half after grabbing a 41-39 lead at halftime.
The Tritons will return to action at 5 p.m. on Friday against Florida Memorial at the Palm Beach Atlantic Classic.
