Embry-Riddle (FL) opened the 2026-27 women’s basketball season with a 71-51 victory over Southeastern (FL) on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the ICI Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. The win moved Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to 1-0, while Southeastern fell to 4-1. Jareah Branch led the Eagles with a career-high 26 points.
Branch made 12 field goals, added five rebounds and three assists, and scored 14 consecutive points from late in the third quarter into the fourth. Her scoring run helped Embry-Riddle build on a 15-13 lead after the first quarter and a 38-24 advantage at halftime. The Eagles finished with a 52-24 edge in points in the paint.
Embry-Riddle pulls away after close opening quarter
Southeastern took a brief 20-19 lead early in the second quarter before Bianca Negreiros put Embry-Riddle back in front with a fast-break layup. Branch followed with a layup and two free throws, and Negreiros capped a 9-0 run with a 3-pointer. Ava Boyes then hit a buzzer-beater to send Embry-Riddle into halftime with a 14-point lead.
Embry-Riddle applied pressure throughout the game, forcing 24 turnovers and collecting 18 offensive rebounds. The Eagles also recorded 16 assists, nine steals and five blocks. Eliana Sheplee contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, while Anye’ Staton finished with seven points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Branch’s run highlights balanced effort
Florrie Cotterill recorded the first points of her career for Embry-Riddle late in the third quarter, and Branch scored off Cotterill’s assist with seven seconds remaining in the period. The play sent the Eagles into the fourth quarter with a 51-36 lead. Branch then scored eight consecutive points during the first 2:23 of the final period, extending the margin to 59-40.
Branch continued her scoring run as Embry-Riddle moved ahead 64-42 with less than five minutes remaining. Southeastern received baskets from Eva Bishop, Mafalda Chambel and Anna Tinelli, but Kyra Haan answered with a three-point play and Danika Ballard added a late layup. Embry-Riddle closed out the 20-point victory after Ballard’s final field goal.
Head coach Lisa Wilson used 14 players, with 11 recording at least one made field goal. That distribution complemented Branch’s career night and helped Embry-Riddle maintain its advantage into the final quarter. The result also gave the Eagles a winning start to the season at the ICI Center.
What comes next
Embry-Riddle is scheduled to travel to Jacksonville, Fla., to face Edward Waters on Friday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m. The game is scheduled to be the second meeting between the programs. It will be Embry-Riddle’s next appearance following the season-opening victory.
FSB Take
Embry-Riddle’s opener showed how Branch’s individual scoring burst worked alongside pressure defense and second-chance opportunities. The Eagles’ 24 forced turnovers and 18 offensive rebounds helped support a 20-point win after the teams were separated by only two points through one quarter. The upcoming game against Edward Waters will provide the next opportunity to evaluate that balance away from Daytona Beach.
Source: Original report