Prescott- The Embry-Riddle men's basketball team grinds out their first home win of the season defeating the Hawks 92-81. The women suffer their first home loss of the season 51-69 to the Hawks.
The men faced a tough San Diego Christian team tonight in their fourth game of the season. Taking the lead early, The Eagles led by as much as sixteen in the first half behind the teams sharp shooting, 51% from the field, 50 % from the three-point line, and 80.5% from the free throw line. Going into half-time The Eagles led the Hawks 47-33. The Hawks showed grit in the second half battling back from their half-time deficit and taking the lead 64-63 with eight minutes remaining in the game. The Eagles did not let the lead change shake them, scoring nine points compared to the Hawks two over the next five minutes. The Eagles continued to hold the lead until the 92-81 victory. Leaders for The Eagles were Logan Skurdal and Calvin Carmichael with 15 points each, Greg Edwards and Nick Johnson with 7 rebounds.
"Tonight was a great team win. All the guys contributed in so many ways, I was proud how our guys kept their composure even when SDCC came back and took a lead late in the game. They stuck together and played as a team. That's what we are about and now we need to turn our focus to another good team in Northwest," said Head Coach Eric Fundalewicz. Sophomore Joe Jewell was happy to secure the first home win of the season, "It feel's great, it is great to feel good about this game but we need to maintain our focus for our upcoming game. To be part of the inaugural team and see our progression even in year two, it's really fun. It leaves you speechless to win in front of our home crowd. Basketball being a growing spectator sport, along with our wins allows for our school pride to grow with us."
The ladies faced a very talented San Diego Christian in the late game. Coming out early with the lead, The Eagles led 17-14 after the first quarter but were unable to maintain the lead once the Hawks started to get hot. The Hawks outscored The Eagles in the next two periods 32 to 9 and 15 to 9. The Eagles outscored the Hawks 16 to 8 in the fourth but it wasn't enough. Dane Ruiz led the ladies with 13 points, followed by Katana Martina with 10 points and Melissa Pfeifer pulled down 8 rebounds.
