Box Score
LAKELAND, Fla. – Sophomore Jerrick Stevenson led the offense for the third consecutive game as the Eckerd College men's basketball team fell to No. 4 Florida Southern College, 84-55, on Wednesday night at the Jenkins Field House.
Eckerd (8-5, 1-1 SSC) played in just its second Sunshine State Conference game of the year after picking up its first league win over Nova Southeastern University on Jan. 8.
In a battle of the remaining SSC unbeatens, the Moccasins (14-0, 3-0 SSC) prevailed to remain undefeated on the season overall.
Eckerd was able to keep within reach of an overpowering and physical Florida Southern team, but with nearly seven minutes remaining in the first half, the Moccasins went on a 12-4 run to pull ahead, 44-27.
At the half, Florida Southern led the Tritons, 49-29 -- its largest first-half lead of the season.
Eckerd continued to fight in the early minutes of the second half to try and chip away at the deficit. Just three minutes into the half, senior Alex Bodney hit a jumper that would trigger a 10-0 streak for the Tritons and bring them within a 14-point margin, 53-39.
However, Eckerd's early efforts would not be enough and Florida Southern would take advantage of 15 second-half turnovers to tack on to its lead.
Stevenson, a Lakeland product from George Jenkins High School, headed scoring among players from both squads with a season-high 20 points and added seven rebounds.
He has scored in double figures in 12 of the team's 13 games this season.
Eckerd starting point guard E.J. Moody also made a return to his hometown. The former Lakeland High School prep standout totaled five points and five rebounds.
Senior forward/center Junior McLeod (knee) saw game action for the first time this season and scored four points to go with six rebounds.
Florida Southern's leading scorer, junior Kevin Capers, led the Moccasins with 16 points in a reserve role. Seniors Lamar McKnight (13) and Dominic Lane (10) closed out the scoring for Florida Southern in double-digits.
Eckerd continues conference play as it travels to Rollins College on Saturday in a game scheduled at 4 p.m. EST from Winter Park. Video will be streamed on RollinsSports.com for a fee.
EckerdTritons.com will provide a free audio broadcast between the Tritons and Tars.
