MELBOURNE, FLA. - Florida Tech hosted No. 18/23 Embry-Riddle, who were riding a six-game win streak, for a big SSC matchup. After being tied at the break, the Panthers dominated the second half to pull out a 76-61 win.  

 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:  
Final: Florida Tech 76, No. 18/23 Embry-Riddle 61 
Records: Florida Tech (13-4, 6-3 SSC), No. 18/23 Embry-Riddle (12-3, 5-3 SSC) 
Location: Charles and Ruth Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.  

 
FIRST HALF:  

• A early triple from Sean Houpt gave the Panthers a 7-2 lead. 
• A turnaround hook shot from Mekhii Noble extended Tech's lead to 15-9.  
• A contested 3-pointer from Sesan Russell gave the Panthers a double-digit lead at 24-13. 
• After the Eagles scored four straight points, Russell knocked down another tough triple to give the Panthers a 27-17 advantage.  
• Seven consecutive points from Jerry Bracey for Embry-Riddle cut the lead to 31-29 with 2:39 left in the half. 
• A layup for Jared Berry of the Eagles with eight seconds remaining in the half tied the game at 33. 

SECOND HALF:  

• Embry-Riddle scored the first four points of the half, but Tech tied it back at 37 on a 4-point play from Russell. 
• A 3-pointer from Josh Mims gave Tech a 44-39 lead with 13:59 left in the ball game. 
• A fast break layup from Niall Harris pushed the Panthers lead to 50-41. 
• Russell banked in a straightway 3-pointer to give Tech a 55-44 lead with 9:02 remaining. 
• Both teams were getting defensive stops before Harris knocked down two free throws to give the Panthers a 61-50 lead with 5:45 left in the game. 
• After losing the ball at first, Russell regained possession and hit a corner jumper to give the Panthers a 67-53 lead. 
• The biggest shot of the night came from Mims, drilling a 3-pointer to give Tech a 70-55 lead as the shot clock expired.  
• The Panthers made six free throws in the final two minutes to close out the 76-61 win. 

NOTABLE PANTHERS:  

• Russell was the leading scorer for the Panthers with 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting. The senior made four 3-pointers. Outside of scoring he dished six assists and grabbed five rebounds. 
• Houpt scored 17 points for the Panthers. He was 7-of-8 from the free throw line. 
• Also in double-digits for Tech was Harris with 12 points and seven rebounds.  
• Mims scored a season-high eight points with two 3-pointers. 
• Elias Martin was the leading rebounder with nine rebounds and also had four blocks on defense. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: 

• The Panthers shot 46.2% (24-52) and 34.8% (8-23) from three. Embry-Riddle was 37.3% (22-59) from the field and 11.8% (2-17) from behind the arc. 
• At the free throw line, Florida Tech was 83.3% (20-24) while Embry-Riddle was 65.2% (15-23). 
• The Eagles won the rebound battle 36-34. 
• Florida Tech had 16 assists and 13 turnovers. Embry-Riddle tallied 18 assists and turned the ball over 14 times. 
• Defensively, the Panthers had six blocks and 10 steals. 
• Florida Tech moves to 9-9 all-time against Embry-Riddle.  

Coach Billy Mims postgame vs Embry-Riddle presented by Long Doggers

UP NEXT: Florida Tech returns to action on Wednesday Jan. 18 for a home SSC matchup with Eckerd. Tip-off from the Clemente Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 

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