MBB
68
Bob Jones University BJU 9-6
74
Winner Pensacola Christian College PCC 12-10
Bob Jones University BJU
9-6
68
Final
74
Pensacola Christian College PCC
12-10
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Bob Jones University BJU 30 38 68
Pensacola Christian College PCC 40 34 74

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Braden Mottor

Eagles Hold Off Bruins in 74–68 Rivalry Victory

Game Recap:
After suffering three losses in a row, the Eagles came into their biggest home game of the season against rival Bob Jones University looking to get back in the win column. Backed by more than 1,500 fans, Eagles Nation helped fuel a strong performance and victory over the Bruins, as the Eagles held the lead for 36 of the game's 40 minutes. Outscoring Bob Jones by 10 points in the first half, the Eagles maintained control the rest of the way and secured their 12th win of the season with a 74-68 home victory.
 
With momentum from the Lady Eagles' victory carrying into the men's game, the Eagles jumped out to an early 7-2 lead in the first two and a half minutes, with buckets from Pack, Woods, and Gerdts. Those three became the driving forces in the win. After Bob Jones found its scoring rhythm, Gerdts provided a spark with three three-pointers in a span of just three minutes. With a Deric Woods bucket in between, Gerdts and Woods led an 11-6 run over a three-minute stretch.
 
After the Eagles' strong start, the Bruins answered with a 17-6 run of their own, gaining a four-point advantage after trailing by seven just five minutes earlier. The Eagles responded emphatically with a 19-5 run to close the half, dominating the final eight minutes. During that stretch, Pack led the way with eight points, while Woods, Bertinato, Akonofua, and Gerdts all contributed. The Eagles shot an efficient 62% during the run while holding the Bruins to just 20% from the field. With 30 seconds remaining, a layup by Deric Woods, assisted by Stickles, gave the Eagles a 10-point lead heading into halftime. The Eagles' 40 first-half points were fueled by Pack and Gerdts, who combined for 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting.
 
Coming out of halftime, the Bruins scored on two straight possessions to cut the margin to 40-35. A jumper by Kaiden Pack settled the Eagles, followed by a Woods layup assisted by Pack, as the Eagles maintained control through the opening minutes of the second half. Throughout the half, BJU chipped away with small 4-0 and 5-0 runs but could never string together a sustained comeback. Each time, the Eagles answered with timely baskets and key defensive stops. With just under ten minutes remaining, the Bruins trimmed the lead to one point, 53-52. Once again, the response came quickly, a Liam Gerdts layup assisted by Pack, followed by a defensive stop and a Woods layup, helped the Eagles push the margin back out.
 
After the lead was cut to two with 8:23 left, the Eagles responded with a 10-4 run featuring buckets from five different players. In the final three minutes, the Bruins began fouling in an attempt to extend the game. Despite trimming the deficit to four, the Eagles calmly executed down the stretch. The ball found leading scorer Liam Gerdts, who knocked down two clutch free throws to seal the 74-68 victory and secure the Eagles' 12th win of the season.
 
Leading the way for the Eagles was the senior trio of Pack, Gerdts, and Woods. Kaiden Pack paced the team with 21 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. Close behind was Liam Gerdts with 18 points, while Deric Woods added 16 points and five rebounds in a season-high 28 minutes.
 
What's Next:
On Tuesday, the Eagles travel to Mississippi to take on Southeastern Baptist College in their ninth South Region game of the year. Riding the momentum of tonight's performance, the Eagles look to secure back-to-back wins heading into Senior Night next Saturday at 3:00 PM. Follow the Eagles in Mississippi and be sure to tune in for Senior Night next weekend.
 
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.