BASKETBALL GAMEDAY: Embry-Riddle Visits Eckerd for Rematch of Last-Second Decisions

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - After seeing both games come down to the final shot in the first meetings this season, the Eckerd basketball teams host provisional SSC member Embry-Riddle tonight in the McArthur Center.
 

Embry-Riddle (13-4) vs. #23/25 Eckerd (15-3, 9-1 SSC)
WHEN	Wednesday, January 25 | 5:30 PM
WHERE	McArthur Center
WATCH	Live Video | Live Stats
SOCIAL MEDIA	Twitter (@ECTritons) | Instagram (@EckerdTritons)
LAST MEETING	Embry-Riddle 66, Eckerd 64 (11/19/16)

LAST TIME THEY MET: Embry-Riddle built a 15-point lead after three quarters and held off an Eckerd comeback for a 66-64 win over the Tritons on November 19 in Daytona Beach.  Victoria Vine had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer but missed on a baseline jumper.  Vine led all scorers with 25 points while Ashley Folsom added 22.  Eckerd forced 25 turnovers in the game but allowed ERAU to shoot 53.1 percent from the floor.

ABOUT THE EAGLES: It hasn't taken long for Embry-Riddle to become competitive in NCAA Division II.  Although the Eagles are still in transition from the NAIA and are yet to be post-season eligible, they've proven themselves against the top teams in the SSC with wins over Eckerd, Tampa and Florida Southern. Eckerd will need to keep an eye on perimeter threats Sabrina Whiting and Lauren Ellenberger who have combined for 87 of the team's 121 3-pointers.  However, ERAU is also strong inside with Tara Fields, Mercedes Jorge and Laniere Coleman providing scoring, rebounding and defense in the frontcourt.

BACK IN THE RANKINGS: Two blowout wins last week helped propel the Tritons back into the top 25 of both the WBCA Coaches Poll and the D2SIDA Media Poll after a one-week absence.  Eckerd appeared at No. 23 in the coaches poll and No. 25 in the media poll.
 

Embry-Riddle (10-7) vs. Eckerd (14-4, 7-3 SSC)
WHEN	Wednesday, January 25 | 7:30 PM
WHERE	McArthur Center
WATCH	Live Video | Live Stats
SOCIAL MEDIA	Twitter (@ECTritons) | Instagram (@EckerdTritons)
LAST MEETING	Eckerd 70, Embry-Riddle 68 (11/19/16)

LAST TIME THEY MET: The Tritons rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half to edge Embry-Riddle, 70-68, on November 19.  Eckerd outscored ERAU, 27-15, over the final nine minutes of the game.  Drushaun McLaurn posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Kevin Walsh also added 18 points.  Dalton Barnes and Skyler Hogan led the Eagles with 16 points each.

ABOUT THE EAGLES: ERAU boasts a balanced offense with five players averaging in double figures. Skyler Hogan leads the way with 17.0 points per game while Dalton Barnes adds 15.0 per contest.  The trio of Luka Majstorovic, Dillon Graham and Shaquan McArthur each average 12.1 points per game.  The Eagles have held their own against SSC competition this year including wins over Lynn and Florida Southern.  They have, however, struggled on the road with a 1-4 record; their lone win came at Nova Southeastern.

DO IT WITH DEFENSE: Eckerd head coach Tom Ryan preaches defense as the means to success, and the Tritons have used defense to achieve that success this season.  EC leads the conference in scoring defense, allowing 72.4 points per game, and also does a tremendous job on the glass.  Eckerd's rebounding margin of plus-8.9 ranks 10th in Division II.