Box Score ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Eckerd men's basketball team fell to Texas A&M – Kingsville on Tuesday night, 76-67, in a hard fought contest.
The first half was a back and forth battle.
Jerrick Stevenson gave his team a three point lead, 8-5, after driving the lane scoring the bucket and drawing the foul. Stevenson was right back at it on the next possession on a fast break for two more points.
A&M – Kingsville took their first lead of the game, 18-16, before
Kevin Walsh answered with a deep three from the corner pocket to retake the lead.
Ray Darnell went on a scoring spree accounting for four points on back-to-back possessions.
Matt Beneduci came off the bench and made an immediate impact hitting a three ball to put EC up, 30-26.
Beneduci was not done yet as he went coast to coast for a two point buzzer beater to end the first half. The Tritons went into the locker room holding a three point lead, 35-32. Darnell led all scorers at the half with 10 points.
The Javelinas opened up the second half on a 7-0 run.
E.J. Moody got the Tritons back on track with a three pointer from the top of the arch. Darnell followed up Moody and a two pointer on the next possession to tie it up 40-40.
A&M – Kingsville proceeded to go on their second 7-0 run of the half.
Trevon Young grabbed an offensive board and put it back in on consecutive possessions to knot the game up 51-51 with just under nine minutes to play.
Down 58-51, Stevenson threw down a monster dunk while being fouled. He knocked in both foul shots and came back with another dunk on the team's next trip down the court bringing the Tritons within one, 58-57.
Hitting big threes and coming up with tough baskets, the Javelinas began to pull away. Eckerd fought hard to get back in the game falling short, 76-67.
Stevenson ended the game as the leading scorer with 21 points and five rebounds to go along with two blocks. Darnell finished in double digits with 13 points shooting 80% from the floor.
The Tritons (4-3,1-0) will be back in action on Wednesday night against Tuskegee University (3-2). Tip-off inside the McArthur Center is set for 7:30 p.m.
