Panthers Can’t Find Rhythm at Embry-Riddle

Panthers coach John Reynolds - Photo credit: James Ragan Photography
It was not as good night on the court for the Florida Tech women on Saturday, as they were beaten soundly by the Embry-Riddle Eagles, 65-45. The Panthers never led in this game and shot just 31.4 percent from the field, while the Eagles were 25-of-47 from the field, for 53.2 percent.

DeLise Williams 11 points led the Panthers, she also had four steals. Tereza Sedlakova tallied nine points and three rebounds.

“If there’s one positive that comes out of this game, it doesn’t mean anything,” said Panthers coach John Reynolds. “It doesn’t affect us in the league, it doesn’t affect us in the standings, but it sure as hell showed me whose got heart and who doesn’t.”

The reason the game doesn't affect the Panthers conference standing, is because Embry-Riddle is a provisional member of the Sunshine State Conference, which means they are not eligible for conference tournament play until next season. Since they are only graduating one starter from this years team, they will be a force to reckoned with out of the gate next season.

Another positive for the Panthers despite this loss, is that they have earned a spot in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament. That comes courtesy of Palm Beach Atlantic’s loss to Eckerd. That loss dropped the Sailfish to 4-13 in the SSC.

That was of little consolation for Reynolds, who had trouble finding the words to describe his teams’ play on Saturday.

“One team played to win and one team just showed up,” he said. “I’m embarrassed by the way they played. I’m disappointed in myself, I’m disappointed in our coaches.”

Embry-Riddle (15-9) dominated inside for much of the game. They outscored the Panthers 10-0 in the paint in the first quarter and it was 20-8 by halftime. The Panthers did cut into that a little in the second half, with the Eagles ending up with a 36-22 advantage.

Florida Tech (11-13, 6-10) was down 16-9 after the first quarter, but after Amanda Allen’s jumper cut it to 18-17 with 4:58 to go, the Eagles went on a 16-5 run to close the half and they were up 34-22 at the break.

The Panthers never recovered in the second half and only made one three-pointer on the day, that out of the hand of Michaela Gelbaugh, who drained on with 2:05 to go in the game, making it a 63-45 advantage for the Eagles. When you consider that the Panthers only scored nine as a team in the fourth quarter, it puts the day into perspective.

For more info: Florida Tech @ Embry-Riddle Box Score

The Panthers are back home Wednesday to take on the Tampa Spartans at 5:30 p.m. Tampa won the first meeting 66-53 on December 10.


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