ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Despite a close contest and several Triton rallies throughout the game, the Eckerd men's basketball team ultimately fell to Ashland (Ohio), 65-57, on the second day of the Eckerd Thanksgiving Classic Saturday night at the McArthur Center.
Eckerd struggled offensively early, trailing 13-3 at the 13:35 mark. However, EC responded with a 14-3 run over the next eight minutes to take a one-point lead. The Eagles pushed back in front two minutes later before taking a 31-25 lead at the break.
AU took a 10-point lead three minutes into the second half. The Tritons followed with an 11-4 run to pull within three at 43-40 with 10:37 left. Ashland held between a three and a six-point lead over the next six minutes before a pair of Daniel Love free throws pulled EC within two with five minutes remaining. However, Eckerd could not complete the comeback as Ashland followed with five straight points and hit all of its free throws down the stretch.
HOW IT ENDED
FINAL: Ashland 65, Eckerd 57
RECORDS: Eckerd 1-4; Ashland 3-2
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Gianfranco Grafals led Eckerd for the second straight day with 20 points. He averaged 23 over the weekend.
- Grafals nearly posted a double-double adding eight rebounds.
- Love was EC's other double-digit performer posting 11 points and a career-high 13 rebounds for his first career double-double.
- Atraiel Washington posted a career-high six rebounds.
- David Swedura grabbed three steals while Kent Garard added two.
- Both teams shot 40 percent from the field.
- EC held a 33-28 advantage on the boards.
UP NEXT
Eckerd returns to the McArthur Center on Wednesday to continue SSC action, hosting Saint Leo at 7:30 PM.
