Embry-Riddle raced out to a dominant first-half lead and powered past Park-Gilbert, 88–77 at Arizona Athletic Grounds on Thursday evening.  The Eagles improve to 13–8 (6–3 GSAC) with the victory.

Embry-Riddle wasted no time taking command. The Eagles shot a scorching 67.9% from the field and 63.6% from three in the opening period, building a 49–30 halftime lead behind balanced scoring and elite ball movement.

• Noah Gifft and Jacey Canalin each tallied 11 first-half points, combining to shoot 8-for-11 from the field.
• Lex Clontz provided instant offense off the bench, drilling two threes and scoring 8 first-half points.
• ERAU's defense forced hurried possessions from Park and held the Buccaneers to just 34.3% shooting before halftime.

The Eagles led by as many as 21 points in the first half, a margin they first reached at the 2:46 mark following a Matur Dhal layup.

Guards Noah Gifft and Jacey Canalin were unstoppable throughout the night:

Noah Gifft – 28 points (game high)

• 7–13 FG
• 5–7 from three
• 9–12 FT
• 6 rebounds & 7 assists
  Gifft showcased an elite inside-out game, scoring at all three levels while creating opportunities for teammates. He added 17 points in the second half alone, continually responding to Park's comeback push. 

Jacey Canalin – 21 points, 4 assists

• 7–10 FG
• 2–3 3FG
• Perfect 5–5 at the line
  Canalin repeatedly attacked the lane, finishing through contact and providing steady guard play throughout—punctuating his night with timely buckets to halt Park-Gilbert runs. 

While the Buccaneers surged for 47 second-half points, ERAU's depth held firm:

• Matur Dhal added 8 points, 6 rebounds, and two blocks, anchoring the interior.
• Peter Dress impacted the game across the stat sheet with 7 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and a team-best 5 drawn fouls.
• Lex Clontz stayed perfect from the field (3–3 FG, 2–2 3FG) in his 8-point outing.
• Bench scoring: 20–16 advantage for ERAU.

ERAU shot a remarkable 61.2% from the floor, 58.8% from three, and 81.8% at the line—one of its most efficient totals of the season. Despite Park-Gilbert cutting the deficit to single digits late, the Eagles responded with poise, hitting free throws and executing defensively down the stretch.

Embry-RIddle will tip off at 2pm on Saturday at Arizona Christian University.