Embry-Riddle opened its 2025–26 campaign with a hard-fought road contest against Puget Sound, ultimately falling 60–56 in a game that came down to the final possession at Memorial Fieldhouse.

Despite trailing by as many as 10 points in the second half, the Eagles showed resilience and grit, clawing back in the fourth quarter to nearly steal the win. Sophomore guard Abby Dean led the way offensively, pouring in 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including four three-pointers, and added a clutch assist on a late-game triple that brought Embry-Riddle within three points with just six seconds remaining.

Embry-Riddle started strong, taking a 13–9 lead after the first quarter behind Clayton's early shooting and solid interior play from Riley Morris-Rexford, who finished with 8 points and 5 rebounds. However, the second quarter proved challenging as Puget Sound outscored the Eagles 25–14, capitalizing on turnovers and converting from beyond the arc.

The Eagles regrouped in the second half, with Makenzie Alapai providing a spark off the bench. Alapai scored 11 points and went 7-of-8 from the free throw line, helping Embry-Riddle stay within striking distance. Freshman Morgan Evenson added 7 points, including a key layup in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to one.

Defensively, Embry-Riddle held Puget Sound to just 33.3% shooting from the field and forced 21 turnovers. The Eagles also won the battle on the boards, grabbing 41 rebounds to Puget Sound's 44, and tallied 17 points off turnovers.

In the final minute, Embry-Riddle mounted a furious comeback. After a layup by Jordyn Smith and a three-pointer by Kapomaika'i Nakakura, the Eagles trailed by just four. A final defensive stop gave them one last chance, but a missed jumper sealed the result.

ERAU will head to Salem, Oregon next to play Corban on Friday at 5:30pm.