Game Recap:
After going 1-1 this week in region play, the Eagles were determined to finish on a high note with a win against region rival Bob Jones University. The last time these two teams met was in the Region Championship game last year, where Bob Jones came out on top. The first half was slow for the Eagles, as they trailed 43-32 at halftime. However, in the second half, the Eagles came out strong, battling back hard to secure a thrilling 74-73 victory at the buzzer. This marked the first time the Eagles had beaten the Bruins since the 2022-2023 season.
 
To start the game, Liam Gerdts scored the first points for the Eagles, but Bob Jones quickly gained momentum, jumping out to a 14-4 lead. Josh Azucena sparked a run for the Eagles with a big three-pointer, helping them close the gap. The Eagles took their first lead of the game at 16-15 after another three-pointer from Josh Azucena. Bob Jones responded with a 10-0 run, but the Eagles were able to stop the bleeding with a jumper from Paul Stickles. BJU then went on another 7-0 run, but Aaron Wagner answered with a crucial bucket, bringing the deficit to 20-32. Kaiden Pack played a significant role in closing the gap, scoring the final four points of the half to keep the Eagles within striking distance. At halftime, the Eagles were down 43-32.
 
After the break, the Eagles came out with renewed energy. Paul Stickles opened the second half with a three-pointer, and the Eagles outscored Bob Jones 18-7 in the first eight minutes to tie the game at 50-50, thanks to yet another timely three-pointer from Josh Azucena. Bob Jones regained the lead 53-50 with a three-pointer of their own, but Liam Gerdts answered with back-to-back buckets, giving the Eagles a 54-53 lead with just under ten minutes remaining. The game remained tight, with both teams battling for control. As the clock ticked down, the Bruins found themselves at the free throw line down one with a chance to take the lead. Hitting both free throws, BJU now held a 71-70 lead over PCC. After a Bob Jones foul, Kaiden Pack was at the free-throw line with an opportunity to regain the lead for the Eagles. Pack hit both of his free throws giving the Eagles the lead once again with 27 seconds left. After a driving layup for BJU, the Eagles used their final timeout with one final opportunity to steal the victory from the Bruins with just 10 seconds left. The Eagles quickly moved the ball down the court, and Kaiden Pack sank a tough, floating jumper with just one second remaining, giving the Eagles a 74-73 victory against their region rival Bob Jones.
 
Offensively, Kaiden Pack led the team with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Followed by Liam Gerdts who contributed 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Josh Azucena came off the bench providing a huge spark, scoring 9 points, including 3-5 from beyond the arc. This win gave the Eagles their first victory over Bob Jones University since the 2022-2023 season, helping to build momentum as they continue their season.
 
What's Next:
Your Eagles' next game is next Friday at home against Appalachian Bible College, and it will be their first home game of the second semester. The game will be on January 24th, with tip-off at 7 p.m. The Eagles will look to defend their home court as they start the second semester.
 
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