Florida Tech Basketball Wins Close Battle Against Eckerd College, Panthers Win 80-76

By  //  January 20, 2023

Russell had a double-double with 18 pts and a career-high 15 assists

After a week off to prepare for its next game, Florida Tech welcomed Eckerd to the Clemente Center. The Panthers found themselves in a physical battle with the Tritons, but ultimately pulled out an 80-76 win in front of the home crowd. (Florida Tech image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – After a week off to prepare for its next game, Florida Tech welcomed Eckerd to the Clemente Center.

The Panthers found themselves in a physical battle with the Tritons, but ultimately pulled out an 80-76 win in front of the home crowd.

Eckerd opened up a 10-6 lead out of the gate, making five of its first seven shots. The Panthers took their first lead with 10:48 in the game on a fast break layup from Sean Houpt.

The Tritons regained the lead at 22-20 after Daniel Love got a contested layup to go while being fouled. Back-to-back triples from Chase Thompson ignited what would be a 10-0 run for the Panthers to give them a nine-point lead.

Eckerd immediately responded with an 8-0 run of its own to get back within one point.

A 3-pointer from David Swedura of the Tritons with 15 seconds left in the half and two free throws from Sesan Russell on the corresponding Panther’s possession tied the game at 38.

Niall Harris drilled a corner 3-pointer then Russell hit a pull-up jumper to give Tech a 5-point lead after two offensive possessions out of the break.

Eckerd answered Tech’s start with a 6-0 run to regain the lead with 17:07 left in the game. A 12-2 run capped off by a fast break layup from Noble saw Tech take a 57-48 lead.

Tech went scoreless for over three minutes, but four consecutive points by Russell gave it a 63-53 lead. Six straight points from Carr Thiam for the Tritons cut the Panthers lead to 69-64 with 5:20 left.

Two free throws for Kent Garard of Eckerd made it a 74-68 game with 2:16 left. The Panthers lead was cut to 75-72 on a steal from Eckerd that led to a transition bucket with 41.9 seconds left in the game.

Tech knocked down five free throws in the 41.6 seconds to hold off the Tritons late charge and win 80-76.

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