Eckerd's Comeback Falls Short to Flagler in Overtime

TAMPA, Fla. - After clawing back from a 14-point deficit in the second half, the Eckerd men's basketball team fell to Flagler (Fla.) 101-93 in overtime to open the Tampa Classic on Saturday evening.

The Tritons trailed early, with the Saints opening the game on a 7-1 run. The teams traded baskets in the early goings of the frame before a five-point run by George Kimble knotted the game at 15 apiece with 13:22 remaining in the half. The Saints regained their lead until Kent Garard equalized at the halfway mark. Another five-point run by Kimble gave Eckerd its first lead of the game, 28-25 with 9:09 remaining. Eckerd pulled all the way to an eight-point favor when Flagler narrowed its deficit to two for the Tritons to hold the 48-46 advantage heading into the break. 

Flagler capitalized early, quickly regaining its lead to start the second half. The Saints worked to an 11-point favor with 12:06 remaining in the half. Eckerd retaliated, as Brandon Garcia added four points to bring the deficit back to single digits. The Saints furthered their reach to 14 with only 5:41 remaining. Eckerd went on a late 10-point run, with Isaiah Placide making six free throws in that stretch, with the Tritons trailing 83-81 with 2:16 in regulation. After exchanging pairs of free throws, Eckerd trailed by two with 15 seconds on the clock. Kimble hit a clutch step-back 3-pointer with four seconds to go to send the game to overtime. 

Despite opening the scoring in extra time, the Tritons quickly fell behind, trailing by six just over two minutes into the overtime period. Carr Thiam and Kimble combined for six more points down the stretch, but it was not enough to complete the comeback as Eckerd fell 101-93. 

HOW IT ENDED

FINAL: Flagler 101, Eckerd 93 (OT) 
RECORDS: Eckerd 6-4 (1-2 SSC); Flagler 6-3 (0-0 PBC)

NOTES AND NUMBERS 

• George Kimble bested his collegiate debut, with 28 points.
• Kent Garard and Isaiah Placide rounded out double-digit scoring with 23 and 16 points, respectively. 
• Timothy Thompson led the defense with 10 boards and two blocks. 
• EC shot 4-for-8 from beyond the arc in the first half. 
• Leads changed four times in the game. 

UP NEXT 

Eckerd is back at the Tampa Classic tomorrow with a 2:00 PM tipoff against Tiffin (Ohio).