FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11-30-02

Eckerd Defeats Pirates In Classic Finale, 82-61

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Host Eckerd College used a 26-8 run in the first half to sprint out to an 18-point halftime lead and held on for an 82-61 men's college basketball victory over Armstrong Atlantic State on Saturday evening in the finale of the 2002 Eckerd College Classic in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Eckerd (5-0) trailed the Pirates (0-2) by one, 15-14, with 12:20 left until halftime, but the Tritons held AASU to only three field goals while building the large halftime advantage.
Eckerd then saw Sharrod McCree score all 12 of his points in the second half to hold off a late Pirates' charge.

AASU's second-half comeback attempt was fueled by junior Daryl Williams, who scored 16 of his game-high 24 points after intermission. The Pirates cut the Eckerd advantage - which was as high as 30 points - to 12, 65-53, with 6:47 remaining in the game, but a 10-2 run by the Tritons ended any comeback hopes.

Senior Dave Pisarcik joined Williams in double figures for the Pirates, scoring 10 points. Eckerd placed five players in double figures, led by Marcus Bryant's 16 points and McCree and Cerwin Thompson's 12 points apiece.

AASU returns to action on Wednesday, December 4 at Fort Valley State at 7:00 p.m.

- Pirates -