In a physical matchup between Embry-Riddle and UC Merced that featured 48 fouls called, the Bobcats came out on top 76-62 over ERAU. 

The first half between the Eagles and Bobcats featured many scoring droughts and a lot of fouls.  The two teams combined for 21 fouls in the first half.  UCM got out to a three point lead three minutes into the game, but Demari Hackett (Surprise, Ariz.) scored three early points for ERAU and Christmas Togiai, Jr. (Kapolei, Hawaii) made a layup to put Embry-Riddle ahead 5-4.  UC Merced was up by nine points with the score 14-5 with 13:32 remaining in the first half.  Togiai, Jr. made another layup to bring the Eagles back within seven points with 12:56 to go in the half and then neither team scored for a minute and a half when the Bobcats made a free throw.  Jake Klingler (Gilbert, Ariz.) scored four points in a row to bring Embry-Riddle within one and Dennis Pomazanov (Pleasant Hill, Calif.) added a layup to bring ERAU within one at 16-15.  The teams traded points and with 1:46 left in the half, Merced led 24-23.  The Bobcats scored the last seven points of the half and led 31-24 at the break. 

UCM scored first to start the second half as they held a nine point advantage.  Pomazanov made a three point basket with 17:00 left in the game to bring ERAU back within six points and the score 35-29.  The Bobcats however scored the next four points and took the largest lead of the game at ten points.  Pomazanov ended the scoring drought for Embry-Riddle with another layup to make the score 31-39.  The Eagles got a stop on defense and converted it to a Klingler three with 14:39 to go to bring ERAU within five points.  The Eagles kept cutting into the Bobcat lead, but Embry-Riddle didn't score for two minutes as UCM ran out to a 14 point advantage.  The lead was too large for the Eagles to come back from as UC Merced won 76-62.

Pomazanov finished the game with a double-double as he scored 17 points and had 10 rebounds.  Togiai, Jr. led ERAU in scoring with 22 points and he dished out four assists. 

Embry-Riddle will play again on Saturday in the Activity Center at 4pm against the Red Hawks from Simpson University.