Walsh Scores 31, Tritons Hold Off Miles at Tampa Classic

Box Score TAMPA, Fla. - Kevin Walsh scored a career-high 31 points, helping the Eckerd men's basketball overcome a blazing perimeter performance from Miles (Ala.) College as the Tritons won their eighth straight game on Sunday afternoon, 95-86, at the University of Tampa Classic.

The Golden Bears (2-8) went 13-for-19 from behind the arc in an attempt to snap Eckerd's streak, but Walsh's hot shooting and the team's ability to get to the foul line made the difference.

"Miles made some tough shots, but we broke down on defense other times," said EC head coach Tom Ryan.  "Our offense was good but will we need to be tougher on defense."

The Tritons (9-2) started quickly, opening the game on an 18-4 run and leading by as many as 15 points in the first half before the hot shooting of Sheldon Wright and Joshua Johnson helped Miles close the gap.  Eckerd's lead was narrowed to five by halftime and the Golden Bears eventually pulled ahead for the first time after a 3-pointer by Wright with 13:46 left.

Wright scored eight straight points to again give Miles the lead after another 3-pointer with 8:52 to play, but Walsh answered with a 3-pointer to tie the game on EC's next possession and later gave the Tritons the lead for good with another 3 with 7:36 remaining.

A rare 4-point play for Walsh following his seventh triple of the game was part of a 10-0 Eckerd run that gave the Tritons a bit of a cushion.  A pair of free throws by Drushaun McLaurn capped the run and extended the EC lead to 79-68 with 4:41 to play.

Miles got no closer than seven points for the rest of the game.

The Tritons' ability to get to the free throw line played a large factor in the win.  Eckerd was 36-of-48 on its free throw opportunities, while Miles took only 11 attempts.  EC also shot the ball well from the field at 56.8 percent and knocked down 9-of-18 from behind the arc.

Today marked the second time this season in which Walsh has connected on seven 3's in a game.  He first did it against Florida Tech on November 16.

Obi Kyei also tied his career-high with 19 points while McLaurn added 18 and Trevon Young scored 12.

The Tritons play their final game of 2016 on Monday in Tampa, taking on Lane (Tenn.) College at 3:30 PM.