MBB
61
Randall University RU 2-2
66
Winner Pensacola Christian College PCC 2-2
Randall University RU
2-2
61
Final
66
Pensacola Christian College PCC
2-2
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Randall University RU 19 42 61
Pensacola Christian College PCC 24 42 66

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Braden Mottor

Eagles Hold Off Randall to Close Out Pensacola Invitational

Game Recap:
The Eagles bounced back from Thursday's loss to Southwestern Adventist University with a 66-61 victory over Randall University, earning their second win of the season. Facing the Saints for the first time since 2024, PCC built an 18-point second-half lead before holding off a late comeback.

Coming off a 36-point performance against SWAU, John Lawrenz opened the scoring with a three-pointer off an assist from his brother, JR Lawrenz. Both teams then went scoreless for three minutes before a Randall free throw made it 3-1. Two baskets from Levi Steele, with a JR Lawrenz basket in between, helped the Saints move ahead 6-5.

Defense controlled much of the opening half as the teams combined to shoot 14-for-56 from the field. PCC went 10-for-32, but six turnovers limited its opportunities to create separation. Holding a narrow 21-19 lead in the closing seconds, the Eagles received a timely boost from John Lawrenz. The junior faked a handoff and knocked down a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded, sending PCC into halftime with a 24-19 advantage.

After shooting just 3-for-18 from beyond the arc in the first half, the Eagles found their rhythm early in the second. Luke Peck and JR Lawrenz opened with back-to-back three-pointers before a John Lawrenz basket and additional threes from Paul Stickles and JR Lawrenz helped stretch the lead to 16 within the first five minutes.

PCC continued to build its advantage as the teams traded baskets and free throws. A Grant Irish fast-break layup and an Aidan Stone layup helped the Eagles establish their largest lead of the game at 18 points with just over 10 minutes remaining.

The Eagles maintained a double-digit cushion until the closing three minutes, when a Steele three-point play brought Randall within nine. Missed free throws and PCC turnovers gave the Saints opportunities to close the gap, and Randall pulled within two with 35 seconds remaining. Peck and Trent Hamilton delivered crucial free throws down the stretch, however, helping the Eagles secure the 66-61 win.

John Lawrenz led PCC with 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 30 minutes. JR Lawrenz followed with 19 points, shooting 7-for-14 from the field and 5-for-10 from three-point range. Stickles and Peck added seven points apiece, combining to shoot 5-for-13 from the field.

What's Next:
The Eagles will host Southeastern Illinois College on Monday for an exhibition in "The Nest." PCC will then face Faith Baptist Bible College for the sixth time in program history. The Eagles won the teams' last meeting 72-53 in March 2016 and will look to make it two straight victories in the series.
 
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