PENSACOLA, Florida–Our Eagles Basketball team battled back in the second half after trailing by 10 at halftime, but would go on to fall in overtime 97-83 to Ave Maria University.
Forward Dakota Pratt led the way offensively for the Eagles, scoring a team-high 18 points in the contest. The Eagles saw five players finish the game in double-digits–Pratt (18), McCrillis (15), Rose (13), Johnson (13), and Clay (11). Ian Johnson led the team in rebounding with 10 while John Clay recorded 6 assists.
The Eagles, playing in front of the home crowd for the first time this year, roared out to 22-13 lead over the visiting Gyrenes. With the Eagles battling early foul trouble, Ave Maria began to slowly close the gap. With 9 minutes remaining in the half, an and-one by Gyrenes guard Romello Bates gave Ave Maria their first lead of the game.
The Gyrenes would go on to widen their advantage to 10 points at the half. In the first half, the Eagles shot nearly 45% from the field compared to 41% for the visitors. The team recorded 36 opening period points behind the play of Ian Johnson and Jared McCrillis.
In the 2nd half, the Eagles methodically cut into the lead of the Gyrenes. Despite trailing by 10, the Eagles were able to tie the score back up at 57 with just over 10 minutes remaining. A back-and-forth battle ensued between the two teams with each one jockeying for the lead. With 1:24 remaining and the Eagles leading by 3, an and-one opportunity by Gyrenes guard Stevan Krusevac tied the game up at 79. The Eagles failed to convert on their final opportunity of the half and the game headed to overtime.
In overtime, the Gyrenes took over. The team would go on to outscore the Eagles 18-4 in the overtime period on their way to a 97-83 victory over the Eagles. The Gyrenes were led in scoring by Leo Behrend who scored 30 in the contest.
"We had a really good start to this game, but got into foul trouble late in the first half," Head Coach Mark Goetsch said afterwards. "Our guys put together a great comeback in the second half, but unfortunately we weren't able to close it out."
With the loss, the Eagles dropped to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 at home. The team will look to rebound when they take on Hiwassee College on Friday, November 9 in Madisonville, TN.
