Game Recap:
After back to back tough losses, the Eagles returned to the Nest for the first time since their overtime victory over Toccoa Falls College. Hosting Southeastern Illinois College for the fourth time in four seasons, the Eagles battled back from a large first-half deficit but ultimately fell to the Falcons, 81-69.
 

To open the game, the Eagles came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to an early 7-1 lead in the opening four minutes. Deric Woods scored the first bucket of the night off an assist from Liam Gerdts, followed by back-to-back baskets from Gerdts, including a three-pointer assisted by Raul Bertinato. Unfortunately, the next five minutes proved costly. Southeastern Illinois answered with a 16-4 run, flipping the Eagles' early lead into a 17-11 deficit. After a layup by Woods, his eighth point of the night, the Eagles briefly stopped the bleeding. However, another 11-4 run by the Falcons, fueled by 5 Eagle turnovers, extended the margin. The final stretch of the first half was much more competitive. The Eagles shot an efficient 5-8 from the field and 2-2 from behind the arc in the closing minutes, but still entered halftime trailing 44-27. Woods led the Eagles at the break with 14 points on 7-9 shooting, while Gerdts added 10 points on 2-3 from three-point range.
 

In the first seven minutes of the second half, both teams traded baskets evenly, matching each other 17-17 while shooting 7-7 from the field and 2-2 from the free throw line. Unlike the first half, the Eagles saw balanced scoring contributions from Gerdts, Woods, Peck, and Bertinato. Midway through the half, the Eagles made their strongest push of the night. Over a seven-minute span, they went on a 23-10 run fueled by Peck, Akonofua, and Trent Hamilton, who combined for 18 points as the team shot 10-14 from the field. Defensively, the Eagles locked in, holding Southeastern Illinois to 2-9 shooting and forcing two turnovers during that stretch. After trailing by as many as 23 points, the Eagles cut the deficit to just 10 with 2:24 remaining. Unfortunately, the momentum stalled late, and the Falcons were able to close out the 81-69 victory.
 

Leading the Eagles was senior Liam Gerdts with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. Deric Woods followed with a season high 18 points on an efficient 9-12 shooting performance. Despite scoring just 4 points, Kaiden Pack made his presence felt with a game-high 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Off the bench, Luke Peck added 9 points on 3 made three-pointers, and Trent Hamilton recorded a career-high 8 points on a perfect 4-4 shooting night in just eight minutes of action.
 

What's Next:
Saturday, the Eagles host their White Out against South Region rival Bob Jones University. Tipoff in the Nest is set for 7:30 PM. Wear white and come out to support your Eagles in a key rivalry matchup.

Stay updated on the Eagles' season by following @eaglespccmbb on Instagram. For full coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.