Men's Basketball 10/26/2026 6:00:00 PM Alvin Chapman

Eagles Open Season With Dominant Field House Win

Game Recap:
Pensacola Christian College's men's basketball team defeats South Region opponent Southeastern Baptist College in their season opener, 93-78. For the first time since spring 1993, both the Eagles men's and women's basketball teams hosted the Chargers in the John Ray Hall Field House. For nearly 30 years, Arlin R. Sportcenter has been the usual home location for men's and women's basketball. However, in honor of Eagle's Athletics' 50th anniversary and Alumni Homecoming, Eagles fans and nearly 500 alumni packed the fieldhouse, anticipating the start of the 2026-27 season.

Southeastern Baptist College traveled from Laurel, Mississippi, for their first away game of the season. The Chargers finished last season 1-21, including a forfeit win over the University of Mobile. Excluding the forfeit, the Chargers' last victory was a home win against Bob Jones University.

Coach Bell, entering his sixth season, welcomed 13 newcomers to this season's roster. His new additions include 6'5" sophomore forward John Lawrenz. Lawrenz appeared in 24 matches for West Coast Baptist College, started 18, and averaged 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Junior transfer from Division II Concord University, Sam Boothe, started alongside Lawrenz. Boothe appeared in 26 games for the Mountain Lions, shooting 38% from the perimeter.

The Eagles opened the first half with a 6-0 run in the first 1:15. Freshman wing JR Lawrenz contributed two field goals in the run. JR also led all first-half scorers with 14, shooting 63% from the field. The Eagles led most of the first half until Zach Scott forced a 23-23 tie with a pull-up jumper after receiving a ball screen from Kewshawn Johnson for his points of the game.

The Chargers and Eagles exchange the lead five times after Scott's jumper. Southeastern Baptist built its largest lead of the half on a 9-2 run. Freshman guard Lucas Montgomery hit his only three-field goals in the run, and Junior guard Adin Johnson hit a contested corner three.

The Eagles eliminated their seven-point deficit with timely bench production from Junior guard Luke Peck. Peck scored 8 of his 14 points in the first half, knocking down back-to-back threes to give Pensacola Christian College a 41-to-40 point advantage. Peck's 14 points tie his second-best career high against Appalachian Bible College, where he shot 4/6 from the perimeter.

What's Next:
Saturday, the Eagles head to Mobile, AL to face NAIA opponent, the University of Mobile. With a strong start to the regular season, the Eagles look to continue carrying that momentum into Mobile searching for their programs first win against the Rams.

Stay connected with the team by following @eaglespccmbb on Instagram. For full coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Players Mentioned

#10 Luke Peck: G; 5' 11"; Junior

#4 Sam Boothe: G; 5' 10"; Junior

#5 JR Lawrenz: G; 6' 4"; Freshman

#11 John Lawrenz: F; 6' 5"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#10 Luke Peck
: 5' 11"; Junior
: G

#4 Sam Boothe
: 5' 10"; Junior
: G

#5 JR Lawrenz
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: G

#11 John Lawrenz
: 6' 5"; Junior
: F