PRESCOTT, ARIZ. – The Embry-Riddle men's basketball team held strong for as long as they could on Thursday night, until a cold spell in the second half led to a loss to UC Merced. After trailing by as many as 21, but got within 13 to make the game interesting in the final three minutes.

For the second consecutive game, Dennis Pomazanov earned a double-double, as he scored 16 points and pulled in 11 rebounds. Pomazanov got into trouble early with a pair of fouls, but did not pick up another one the rest of the way as he shot 50% and played excellent defense.

Conner Verdugo and Christmas Togiai, Jr. each had five assists, leading the way once again in running the offense. Both players shared the game-high assist total, and ERAU totaled 17 assists on 22 made baskets.

Demari Hackett also had a solid game, scoring 10 points and pulling in four rebounds. Hackett also dotted the stat sheet elsewhere, as he had an assist, a block and a steal on Thursday.

Embry-Riddle will continue its postseason chase next week with its final trip to Northern California of the season. The Eagles will start back up on with a matchup against Cal Maritime next Thursday, February 2.