Embry-Riddle lost a close game to the Redhawks of Benedictine Mesa on Thursday night in the Activity Center.  The final score of the contest was 68-64.

ERAU started out strong as they took a 10-3 lead early as Zakiirah King (Chandler, Ariz.) scored five early points.  Both teams made baskets in the middle of the quarter and with 3:53 left the Eagles held a 15-11 lead.  Liz Behan (St. Peters, Mo.) then entered the game and scored the next seven points on three layups and a free throw.  At the end of quarter number one, Embry-Riddle led 22-16.

The Redhawks came out strong in the second quarter as they outscored ERAU 17-12.  After BenU made a layup to cut the Eagle lead to two points, Susie Reynoso (Escondido, Calif.) made a three to get the lead back to five with the score at 27-22.  At halftime, Embry-Riddle led by one 34-33. 

BenU took the lead early in the second half, but Behan tied it up with two more free throws.  The teams went back and forth but the Redhawks ended the quarter up five 50-45. 

In the fourth quarter, neither team held much of a lead as each team made baskets down the stretch.  King scored six points in the fourth quarter to keep the game close for the Eagles, Behan added four, and Kate McBride (Atlanta, Ga.) scored four as well. 

King led Embry-Riddle with 18 points in the game and for the second game in a row, Behan had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.  Micaela Hidalgo (Greeley, Colo.) added four steals. 

Embry-Riddle will play again on December 18th back in the Activity Center against Concordia at 5:30pm.