Embry-Riddle put on an impressive display on Saturday, defeating OUAZ 82–56 at Faith Arena. The Eagles shot an impressive 57% from the field and 62.5% from beyond the arc, building a solid 19-point lead by halftime.
Sophomore guard Noah Gifft was a standout performer. He scored 21 points, going 8-for-10 from the floor, including 5-for-6 from three-point range. Gifft’s strong first half, where he scored 16 points, helped the Eagles rack up 47 points in that period alone.
Peter Dress also made a significant impact, contributing 11 points, five rebounds, and four steals. His defensive efforts, including two back-to-back steals and a timely three-pointer, ignited a 15–2 run, further solidifying the Eagles’ lead.
Bench players were crucial, too. Lex Clontz scored 10 points on just five shots, while Isaiah Wong added 7. Together, the reserves contributed 23 points, showcasing the team’s depth.
Defensively, Embry-Riddle forced 17 turnovers from OUAZ, turning those into 29 points. The Eagles applied relentless pressure, recording 10 steals collectively. They successfully limited OUAZ to just 27.8% shooting from three and held them to a low 42.9% overall.
As they move forward, Embry-Riddle’s next challenge is against Park University Gilbert next Thursday at 7:30 PM.
### Expert Insights
Recent trends in college basketball show that strong defense often translates to wins. According to a study from the NCAA, teams that force more turnovers tend to have higher success rates. This strategy pays off: teams that average 8+ steals per game have a winning percentage of over 75%. Embry-Riddle’s defensive pressure fits right into this statistic.
Following this game, fans took to social media to express their excitement. Many praised the teamwork and the thrilling offense, with comments highlighting the chemistry between players like Gifft and Dress.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how their performance holds up against tougher opponents. With their current momentum, Embry-Riddle has the potential to make a significant impact in the GSAC standings.
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