DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Davenport fell to No. 13 Embry-Riddle (Fla.), 70–57, on Thursday as the nationally ranked Eagles picked up their seventh win of the season by capitalizing on 29 points off turnovers. Despite the setback, the Panthers finished with 40 points in the paint and forced 11 steals.
Davenport opened the game with early energy, highlighted by a layup from
Ellie Toney just 14 seconds into play and a three-pointer from
Anna Axtell, assisted by
Nevaeh Williams, at the 9:11 mark. The Panthers were unable to sustain the momentum, committing six first-quarter turnovers as Embry-Riddle used paint points and transition opportunities to take a 17–9 lead after one.
The Panthers responded in the second quarter, briefly taking the lead behind Williams, who scored on a jumper at 5:13 before knocking down a three-pointer less than a minute later. Davenport continued to attack inside, including a late layup from
Maya Mitchell, but the Eagles answered to carry a 33–29 advantage into halftime.
Embry-Riddle took control in the third quarter, opening the period with an 8–0 run. Davenport struggled offensively, committing six turnovers in the quarter, while the Eagles stretched the margin to double digits. Baskets from Williams and Mitchell slowed the surge, but the Panthers entered the fourth trailing 51–39.
Davenport showed resilience in the final quarter, cutting the deficit to eight after free throws from
Kayla Covington and a layup by
Maddie Geers. The Panthers continued to battle in the paint and on the defensive end, but Embry-Riddle responded with timely scoring, including a key three-pointer, to maintain control.
Reese Polega closed the scoring for Davenport with a pair of free throws as the Eagles secured the 70–57 victory.
The Panthers will resume GLIAC play on Jan. 1, opening the new year on the road at Northern Michigan with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff in Marquette, Mich.
Davenport Top Performers
Nevaeh Williams
- 11 points
- 3 assists
- 2 steals
Ellie Toney
- 9 points
- 5 rebounds
- 2 steals
Maddie Geers
- 7 points
- 8 rebounds
- 2 blocks
Maya Mitchell
- 7 points
- 4 rebounds
- 3 steals
Taaria Pehi-Kupa
- 4 points
- 4 rebounds
- 2 steals
