BLUFFTON, S.C. – The Eckerd men's basketball team connected on 14 three-pointers but fell to Flagler by a score of 93-84 on Saturday afternoon in a neutral-site contest at USC Beaufort.

Flagler jumped out to an early 12-2 advantage before Eckerd responded with a 14-4 stretch to even the score at 16 midway through the opening half. Jacob Davis gave the Tritons their first lead at 19-17 on a three-pointer with 12:32 remaining.

The teams continued to trade baskets throughout the half, with neither side able to establish much separation. A layup by Jackson Hupp gave Eckerd a 39-36 advantage with just over four minutes remaining before Flagler regained the lead and entered halftime ahead 49-46.

Eckerd opened the second half with a strong response, erasing a seven-point deficit behind three-pointers from Micah Pierce and Josiah McDonald. A layup by Jeremias Berchal evened the score at 56 before Chance Casenhiser put the Tritons ahead 58-56 with 16:18 remaining.

Flagler answered with a 13-2 stretch to build a 71-61 advantage with 12:26 left, and then extended its lead to 83-69 with just under eight minutes remaining.

McDonald sparked a late Tritons rally, connecting on three consecutive three-pointers during a 9-0 run to pull Eckerd within five at 83-78 with just over four minutes to go. Flagler answered with five straight points to push its lead back to double digits, holding off the comeback attempt down the stretch.

McDonald and Casenhiser paced Eckerd with 18 points apiece. McDonald knocked down six three-pointers, while Casenhiser added four rebounds and four assists. Davis provided 12 points off the bench, while Tim Taiwo added 10 points and seven rebounds. Berchal led the team with nine rebounds.

Eckerd shot 51.9 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on 14-of-27 attempts, and held a 41-35 rebounding advantage. The Tritons also received 36 points from their bench. 

The Tritons will host Saint Leo on Wednesday in their SSC and home opener.