After two preseason games, the Eagles took home court for the 2023-2024 regular season. With a back-and-forth first half, one of the teams had to pull away at the end. Unfortunately for the Eagles, it was Ecclesia with a big second half that propelled them to their 73-64 win over the Eagles.
With only two returning starters from last year, Coach Bell looked to West Coach transfer Lucas Hernandez, Maranatha transfer Malachi Herbster, and senior Joshua Alexander to round out the starting 5 with Brandtley Koske and Liam Gerdts. Right out of the gate, the game was back and forth neither team being able to pull away. As the teams entered halftime it was 36-32 with the Eagles having a four-point lead!
Right out of halftime, Ecclesia put together a quick 13-2 run pulling away from the Eagles and reaching a seven-point lead after being down four just 5 minutes prior. As the half progressed, the Eagles nearly tied the game back up. The Eagles got it down to a two-point deficit with 9 minutes remaining, but ultimately the Royals pulled away and stole the show in the Eagle’s first home game of the season.
Offensively, the Eagles were led by sophomore Liam Gerdts who recorded 25 points and 4 rebounds. With a great PCC Eagle opening performance, Lucas Hernandez scored 11 points on 3-8 shooting from behind the arc.