At the Daytona Mitsubishi Shootout on November 20-21, the basketball team brought their number of wins to five, defeating Trinity Baptist College on November 23. They first played Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (5-3) November 20 and fell 91-64. The next day, they lost to Siena Heights University (7-1) 97-79. Both schools are tough competitors from the NAIA Division II, just outside of the top 25 rankings.

Against TBC, the Falcons began the game strong. They capitalized on good rebounding and forced turnovers that gave them several breakaway points to finish the first half ahead 58-30. The lead allowed Head Coach Robb Mitchell ’91 to empty his bench by the half. The Eagles would switch to a zone defense in the second half that would stall FC scoring. After FC went on an 8-7 run, Trinity outscored Florida College 18-4 in the next ten minutes. Mitchell returned his starters to the game, and they finished with the 86-65 win. FC had five players who scored in double figures and were led by sophomore Joey Anderkavich (18 points) and senior Blake Elrod (13 points).

“In the first half, we pressured them and used double fist (FC defense used to speed up the tempo and force turnovers). They’re young, so we wore on their guards. In the second, they switched to zone to slow the game down. We didn’t get as many steals to make the easy shots,” said Mitchell.

In the rankings released December 1, the Falcons are #7 in the USCAA. On Friday, they will play Johnson & Wales University at home at 7:00 PM. They’ll travel to Ave Maria University (3-5) on Saturday for a 2:00 PM matchup.

Falcon supporters are helping put a new floor in Conn Gymnasium. Some have made a pledge to donate for every three-point shot made this season. Help make a Score For The Floor.

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