BOCA RATON, Fla. – In a tough Sunshine State Conference matchup, the Embry-Riddle men's basketball team (10-3, 4-1 SSC) started the New Year hot in the first half at Lynn (8-3, 3-2 SSC), but the Fighting Knights ultimately overcame the Eagles, 96-63 at the de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center Thursday night. Despite the early push and standout performances from the lineup and bench, the Eagles were doomed by an eventual 21-0 run from Lynn.
First Half Summary:
- Lynn opened the game with sharp three-point shooting, hitting 6 of 16 from beyond the arc in the first half.
- Embry-Riddle started strong in the paint, with Jerry Bracey II leading the effort on the boards and scoring key early buckets.
- A scoring drought for Embry-Riddle allowed Lynn to extend their lead to double digits midway through the first half, fueled by Leo Beath's four-point play.
- Lynn capitalized on turnovers, converting 12 points from Embry-Riddle's miscues in the first half.
- Halftime Score: Lynn 44, Embry-Riddle 29.
Second Half Summary:
- Embry-Riddle opened the second half with a brief 5-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Dru Nickson.
- Lynn's Leo Beath dominated the half, finishing with a game-high 32 points, including several fast-break layups and three-pointers that extended the lead.
- Embry-Riddle struggled from the field, shooting just 15 of 43 in the second half, while Lynn converted at a 51% clip.
- Lynn's defense forced 10 second-half turnovers, leading to 18 points.
Highlights:
- Michael McCalister led Embry-Riddle with 17 points, adding a highlight-reel dunk in the second half.
- Jerry Bracey II contributed 8 points and a team-high 9 rebounds.
- Embry-Riddle scored 34 of its 63 points in the paint but struggled with outside shooting (7 of 26 from three).
