DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The third-ranked Embry-Riddle men's basketball team improved its 2013-14 record to 3-0 on Tuesday courtesy of an 84-50 victory over Johnson (Fla.) at the ICI Center. Prior to Tuesday's contest, which was dubbed Military Appreciation Night, ERAU Athletics recognized veterans and those currently serving in the United States military, as well as more than 300 children who were guests of the Food Brings Hope program.
 
A shaky Eagle start prompted ERAU Head Coach Steve Ridder to call an early timeout to rally his troops at the 18:33 mark. The timeout had the desired effect and three-pointer by Dalton Barnes keyed an 11-0 run that put the Eagles ahead by 10 (24-14). A 54.3 shooting clip from the field coupled with a defense that limited the Suns to 11-of-30 field goals helped the Eagles widen the gap and the home team led 44-26 at the half.  
 
The Eagles' shooting percentage dipped slightly in the second half to 46.9 percent (15-32), but the defense stepped up to pick up the slack, limiting the visitors to just seven made field goals in the half. The Blue and Gold also bested the Suns on the boards, outrebounding Johnson 56-17 and scoring 25 second-chance points to Johnson's two on the way to the 34-point win.
 
Five Eagles scored in double figures, including Dalton Barnes (16), Cesar Pastrana (15), DeForest Carter (14), Brandon Serle (13) and Rico Saldana (11). Pastrana and Saldana each posted double-double performances, adding 12 and 10 rebounds, respectively, to their scoring output.
 
Montique Lynch led all scorers with 19 points as the Suns dropped to 2-3 on the year.
 
The Eagles go on the road this weekend to compete in the Thomas University/State Farm Classic where they will take on Point at 5 p.m. on Friday, followed by a 2 p.m. tip against Truett-McConnell on Saturday.