Box Score COSTA MESA, CALIF. – Despite a better shooting performance than 24 hours earlier, the ERAU men's basketball team dropped its final game of 2021 on the road to Vanguard on Friday. It is the end of the Eagles NAIA non-conference games away from Prescott, as the team has played 13 of them to start the campaign.
The Eagles shot 42% from the floor on Friday, a much better improvement than the day prior. While it was a great offensive effort, the Lions made 60% of its shots, including 48% from three. ERAU outscored Vanguard in the second half, but VU's unimaginable 74.3% shooting in the first 20 minutes allowed them to build a sizeable lead at the break.
Conner Verdugo led the way for Embry-Riddle, scoring 21 points on 6-9 shooting. All of Conner Verdugo's makes came from the three-point line, where he was a perfect 6-6 on the afternoon to lead all scorers. He also had a team-high five steals and dished out three assists.
Demari Hackett had a great game on the glass, grabbing seven rebounds off the bench to tie for the game high. Luke Dunn scored 15 points, and got to the free throw line often thanks to his frequent attacks at the rim.
The Eagles will play one final game before conference play, an exhibition against NCAA Division 1 Northern Arizona University on January 5th. Tip-off from Flagstaff, Ariz. is scheduled for 6 p.m.
