Box Score

The NAIA #1 ranked Embry Riddle University Eagles (15-1, 4-0) edged Thomas Basketball (8-5, 1-3) on Thursday evening in Sun Conference action at the ICI Center in Daytona Beach, FL.

ERU opened a 7-0 advantage in the early going before the Night Hawks were able to tie the game at seven with a 7-0 run that was capped by a three pointer from senior forward Justyn Watkins. Riddle would open up another lead, this time by as many as ten, but TU responded with a 15-4 run to close out the half and took a 32-31 advantage into the locker room. Watkins scored 20 of the Night Hawks 32 first half points.

The Eagles stormed out to an eight point lead to open the second, holding Thomas scoreless over the first 3:02 of the half. TU made it a one point game, 47-46, at the 12:44 mark on a bucket in the paint by freshman guard Trent Madison. A free throw and fast break lay-up by Watkins over the next 1:03 would give Thomas a 49-47 lead for the first time since the first half. Another run by Riddle saw the Eagles, once again, open an eight point lead with 3:47 to play. The young Night Hawks would not go down easy responding once again to go on a 7-0 run and make it a one point game, 69-68, with 45 seconds to play. ERU showed why they are the #1 team in the land, closing out the game on a 9-3 run by going 9 for 12 from the line. Watkins finished the game with a team high 32 points, going 14-16 at charity stripe. Freshman guard Trey Gosier (13 points) and junior forward Rodney Sturkie (11 points) were the only other Night Hawks in double digits.

TU will look to respond, seeking to end a three game losing streak, on Saturday evening at 7PM when they travel to West Palm Beach, FL to face NAIA #11 Northwood University.