MELBOURNE, FLA. - In its second game in as many days, Florida Tech hosted Trevecca Nazarene in the Thanksgiving Tournament at the Clemente Center. The Panthers bounced back from their opening loss of the year with a 83-51 win over the Trojans.  

 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:  
Final: Florida Tech 83, Trevecca Nazarene 51 
Records: Florida Tech (5-1 1-0 SSC), Trevecca Nazarene (1-4) 
Location: Charles and Ruth Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.  

 
FIRST HALF:  

• Right out of the gate Florida Tech jumped out to an 8-0 run capped off by a Niall Harris dunk. 
• Russell had a strong start to the game for the Panthers, drilling a 3-pointer to give his team a 23-9 lead. 
• Russell drove on a fast break to push the Panthers lead to 33-17 with 5:27 remaining. 
• A 3-pointer and two consecutive free throws from Sean Houpt ended the half with Tech leading 45-22. 

SECOND HALF:  

• As it did in the first half, the Panthers started the second period strong on a 9-2 run to push the lead to 55-26. 
• The Trojans did not give up battling to get within 20 points at the 8:19 mark of the second half. 
• Florida Tech responded immediately with their own 16-0 run to put the game away. 
• Capping off a successful afternoon for the Panthers was George Nehma with a breakaway dunk in the final minute of the ball game.  

NOTABLE PANTHERS:  

• Russell led the way for the Panthers, with a season-high 28 points on 9-of-19 shooting. 23 of his 28 points came in the first half. He also had a team-high eight rebounds. 
• Houpt posted 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting for Tech. 
• The final Florida Tech player in double-figures offensively was Harris with 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists.  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: 

• The Panthers shot 45.7% (32-70) from the field and 25% (7-28) from three. The Trojans were 28.1% (18-64) shooting and 20% (6-30) from behind the arc. 
• At the charity strike Florida Tech was 80% (12-15) while Trevecca Nazarene was 81.8% (9-11).
• On the glass, the Panthers out-rebounded the Trojans 45-29. 
• Florida Tech had 24 assists while turning the ball over just 11 times. Trevecca Nazarene tallied 15 assists and committed 14 turnovers.  

Coach Billy Mims postgame presented by Al's Trophy Shop


UP NEXT: Florida Tech will be back in action Wednesday, Nov. 30 at the Clemente Center for a conference matchup with Tampa. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.