ST. AUGUSTINE – With the final seconds of regulation ticking away,
Jaizec Lottie drove the lane for the game winning basket as Flagler College defeated No. 15 (NABC Division II Top 25) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 78-76 in a non-conference men's basketball game Tuesday night at Flagler Gymnasium.
Flagler extends its winning streak to three and improved to 4-2 overall. Embry-Riddle suffered its first loss of the season and dropped to 6-1.
"Embry-Riddle is a very good basketball team," said head coach
Chad Warner. "I tip my hat to Coach Ridder and his team. I am really proud of our resolve and fight tonight."
Elijah Jenkins was fouled on a three-point shot with six seconds left and the Eagles trailing by three. He hit the first two, and after a Saints timeout, sank the third to tie the score at 76.
Lottie took the in-bounds pass and dribbled across midcourt and drove to the hoop from the right elbow, drew a pair of Embry-Riddle defenders and laid the ball in over the front rim. He finished with a career-high 40 points, one shy of tying the school record. The referees placed eight-tenths of a second back on the clock, but Embry-Riddle could not get a shot off in time.
"Jaizec was special tonight and his teammates made huge plays to support him," said Warner. "I am proud of our team and love their togetherness."
Lottie made 15-of-26 from the field. The 15 made shots is tied for fourth and the attempts are second in the history of the program. Lottie made four 3-pointers, six free throws, grabbed four rebounds, and tallied four assists.
Jalen Barr added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Saints.
Chris Metzger corralled a team-high nine rebounds.
Flagler, which trailed 38-30 at the half, shot 54.3 percent in the second half, which assisted in the rally. The Saints also outrebounded the Eagles 21-12 in the final 20 minutes. Embry-Riddle controlled the glass 26-17 in the first half and had 12 offensive boards that led to 11 second chance points.
Romeo Crunch led Embry-Riddle with 26 points and six assists. Michael McCalister added 18 points and seven rebounds. Elijah Jenkins came in averaging 20.5 points per game but had to work for his 11 points tonight.
Flagler takes a break for Thanksgiving and returns to the court on Nov. 30 against the University of Fort Lauderdale at Flagler Gymnasium.
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