MELBOURNE, Fla. – Despite being down double figures in the first quarter, the Panthers rallied in the second quarter to make it game time; however, they fell short in a 69-63 loss to Embry-Riddle. The Panthers are only the fourth team to hold the Eagles under 70 points this season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Florida Tech 63, No. 20 Embry-Riddle 69
Records: Florida Tech (4-8, 1-4 SSC), Embry-Riddle (8-2, 3-1 SSC)
Location: Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.

FIRST QUARTER:

• Embry-Riddle opened the scoring on a fast-break layup at 8:25, but Florida Tech quickly answered as Nandinkhusel Nyamjav finished inside at 7:59 to even the score at 2–2.
• Eliana Sheplee sparked the Eagles early, scoring seven points in the quarter, including a three-pointer at 6:33 that pushed ERU in front 7–2.
• Turnovers and second-chance opportunities allowed Embry-Riddle to go on a 13–2 run, building a 15–4 advantage by the 4:05 mark.
• Tai Roberts halted the stretch with a jumper at 1:37, snapping a long scoring drought for the Panthers.
• Remingtyn Smith closed the quarter with a three-pointer at 0:29, assisted by Nyamjav, trimming the deficit late.
• Florida Tech trailed 22–9 at the end of the opening period.

SECOND QUARTER:

• Embry-Riddle opened the quarter with a bucket at 9:51 to push its advantage to 24–9.
• Tech responded with back-to-back layups from Michaela Medico and Nyamjav, trimming the margin to 26–13.
• Elif Bayrak added a layup at 8:01 as the Panthers continued to chip away at the deficit.
• Nyamjav ignited a run with consecutive baskets and a free throw between 6:40 and 5:57, pulling Tech within 28–20.
• Roberts kept the momentum going with a layup at 4:43, then sank two free throws at 4:15 to keep the Panthers within striking distance.
• Smith buried a three-pointer at 2:24 to cut the deficit to five, 32–27.
• Bayrak followed with a fast-break triple at 1:34, bringing Tech within two.
• Mikayla Morin tied the game with a layup at 0:41, and Nyamjav closed the half at the free-throw line.
• Florida Tech carried a 34–32 lead into halftime.

THIRD QUARTER:

• Tech opened the half with momentum, as Nyamjav drilled a three at 9:48 to extend the Panthers' lead to 37–32.
• Embry-Riddle responded with three of its own and used transition scoring to briefly pull ahead midway through the quarter.
• Bayrak sparked Tech's response, knocking down a three at 7:21 and finishing a fast-break layup moments later to keep the Panthers within one possession.
• Strong defensive pressure fueled a Panther run, highlighted by fast-break layups from Roberts and Bayrak, giving Tech a 50–45 advantage.
• Amanda Ogbonna added key interior buckets late in the period, scoring on consecutive second-chance opportunities to preserve the lead.
• Embry-Riddle closed the quarter with a late score, sending the game into the fourth tied at 54–54.

FOURTH QUARTER:

• The fourth quarter opened with a defensive battle, as neither team scored in the opening minute.
• Embry-Riddle broke through with a layup at 8:28 to go up 56-54, but Roberts answered on the other end to even the score at 56-all.
• Florida Tech forced a turnover at the 8:04 mark, but the Panthers were unable to convert, and the game remained a tight contest.
• The Eagles reclaimed the lead at 6:23 with a basket and free throw, moving ahead 59-56.
• Nyamjav drilled a clutch three at 5:09 to tie the game at 59-59.
• Morin put Tech back in front with a tip-in at 4:11, giving the Panthers a 61-59 edge.
• After Embry-Riddle responded, Bayrak knocked down a jumper at 3:10 to briefly push Florida Tech ahead 63-61.
• The Eagles answered with a three-pointer and followed with a putback and free throw to build a 67-63 advantage with just over a minute remaining.
• Despite late opportunities, Embry-Riddle closed the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds, as Florida Tech fell 69-63.

NOTABLE PANTHERS:

• Nandinkhusel Nyamjav led the Panthers, compiling 21 points along with five rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
• Elif Bayrak went 7-for-15 for 16 points while also grabbing six rebounds, blocking two shots, and stealing two balls.
• Amanda Ogbonna's eight rebounds were the most by a Panther, four offensive and four defensive rebounds.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE:

• All-time, Florida Tech holds a 7-12 record against Embry-Riddle.
• Tech is 4-6 all-time at home against Embry-Riddle.

UP NEXT: After a five-game homestand, the Panthers are back on the road against Tampa on Saturday, January 3. The tipoff is set for 2 p.m. ET.

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech women's basketball team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.