Tough Shooting Night for ERAU Leads to Loss at UC Merced

Embry-Riddle only shot 33.3% compared to the Bobcats 48.1% in their 64-45 loss on Saturday evening in Merced, Calif.

In the first four minutes of the game, the teams traded baskets and a Zack Moritz (Ontario, Calif.) three point basket put ERAU up 7-4 early.  UC Merced scored the next four points though to retake the lead at 9-7 until a layup by Christmas Togiai, Jr. (Kapolei, Hawaii) tied the game at 9-9 with 14 minutes to go in the half. Conner Ivy (Phoenix, Ariz.) made a jumper followed by a three point basket with just under ten minutes left in the half to give the Eagles a 20-17 lead.  That would be the last lead Embry-Riddle would have as UC Merced used a 7-0 run to get back out in front.  At the half the score was 32-26 in favor of the Bobcats. 

In the second half, turnovers plagued ERAU as everytime it seemed they might make a run, the Bobcats were there to end it with a steal.  Dennis Pomazanov (Pleasant Hill, Calif.) made a free throw followed by a jump shot to bring the Eagles within three.  UC Merced however followed that up with an 8-2 run as they led 42-31 with 14:17 to go in the game.  The two teams traded baskets, but ERAU couldn't get a run going as they ultimately fell 64-45. 

Pomazanov led Embry-Riddle with 13 points and 8 rebounds and Togiai, Jr. added 8 points. 

The Eagles will play again on Thursday, December 7^th in the Activity Center on campus at 7:30pm against Benedictine Mesa.