VALDOSTA, Ga. — A second half surge propelled Eckerd over the University of West Alabama men’s basketball team, 79-51 in the opening game of the Flagler Construction Equipment Classic in Valdosta, Ga. on Friday.

In the opening half, UWA took its largest lead of the game on senior Michael Billings’ three-pointer at the 14:47 mark to extend the Tigers lead from three to six points.  The Albany, Ga.- native scored seven of his nice points in the first 20 minutes.  The Red and White were led by Bobby Clark, who posted 12 of his team-high 14 points in the first half.  EC took a three-point advantage into the halftime break at 38-35.

The Tritons seized command of the game in the final 20 minutes, out-scoring UWA 41-16 in the second half.  EC used a 15-4 run in the half’s opening minutes to lead 53-39 at the 13:34 mark of the stanza.  Junior Brian Murphy paced the Red and White in the second half, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the final half. 

Clark, a product of Jackson, Miss. and Iowa Western Community College was UWA’s leading rebounder with eight.  He was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line along with posting a block in the game.  Kevin Johnson added six points in the affair.  EC placed three players in double figures, led by Damone Morris with 21 points and eight rebounds.  Josh King turned in an 18-point performance with 16 of those coming in the first half.  Zaronn Cann finished with 13 points.

UWA will take on Lynn University at 3 p.m. CST on Saturday, Dec. 1, to open the second day of activity in the tournament.