The first half featured six ties and six lead changes as the two teams traded buckets in the early going. A three-pointer right before the half by Jake Pickett, sent Embry-Riddle into the locker room with a 30-25 lead.
The two teams continued the back and forth pace in the second half as the score became tied nine times in the second half. With the score knotted at 61-61 with 2:39 to play, Elmhurst took the lead for good on an Evan Patchett three-pointer. A jumper by Patchett with 1:32 to play gave Elmhurst a five-point advantage. A bucket by Nick Miller and a foul allowed Embry-Riddle to pull to within two points with 1:09 to play. Elmhurst responded when David Gershenzon burried his fourth long-range bomb of the game to put Elmhurst up by five with 39 seconds to play. An Elmhurst foul on a three-point attempt sent Ryan Exter to the line for Embry-Riddle with 15 seconds left. Exter hit all three shots to bring Embry-Riddle to within two points. Nick Michael was fouled on the inbounds play and he made one free throw to give Elmhurst a 70-67 lead. A last second three-point attempt from Embry-Riddle fell short, giving the Bluejays the win.
For the game, Elmhurst shot 44.6 percent (29-of-65) from the floor and 50 percent (8-of-16) from three point range. The Bluejays spent most of the night in foul trouble as Elmhurst was whistled for 30 fouls to Embry-Riddle's 14. Embry-Riddle also outrebounded Elmhurst 44-33.
Gershenzon continued his hot start to the season, leading the Bluejays with 20 points of the bench, earning tournament MVP honors in the process. Chris Martin joined him on the all-tournament team, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds, despite playing in just 17 minutes due to foul trouble. Patchett added 13 points and Michael finished with nine in the win for the Bluejays.
Elmhurst will open up their home season on Tuesday, November 23, when they face Hope College at 7:30 p.m.