PRESCOTT, ARIZ. – The Embry-Riddle men's basketball team was excited to play in front of its home fans for the first time this season, and the Eagles put on a show at the ERAU Activity Center. The Eagles battled tough all night long with UC Merced, but a controversial block with the ERAU down two with 13 seconds, and a pair of Bobcat free throws, sealed the Eagles' fate.

Conner Verdugo drove toward the hoop to try and tie the game, but the shot was pinned off the backboard, and the home crowd thought there was a goaltend. Ultimately the Eagles had to foul, the UC Merced's best shooter knocked down a pair of free throws to wrap up the contest.

Embry-Riddle trailed by nine with 3:15 remaining, but excellent defense, made buckets and timely free throw misses got the Eagles within two. ERAU outscored UC Merced 9-2 in a three minute stretch at the end, but could not tie the game.

David Teibo finished with his third double-double in four games, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Teibo grabbed ten boards on the defensive end alone, shot 5-7 from the field and made seven of nine free throws.

Trevor Weir was finally rewarded with his hard work inside, scoring 15 points on seven of 12 shooting. Weir was also two rebounds away from a double-double, including a pair on the offensive end.

Conner Verdugo was able to score and distribute, posting 12 points and five assists. Three of the five ERAU starters finished in double-digit point totals.

The Eagles will get back on the floor Saturday night when they host Simpson University. Tipoff from the ERAU Activity Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.