DOYLESTOWN (PA) – Martin Soaries and Tyrik Tucker combined for 34 points and 12 rebounds to lead Eastern University past host Delaware Valley College, 68-64, in a Freedom Conference game.

The Eagles (8-4, 2-3) jumped out to an early 16-6 lead and built the advantage to as many as 11 in the first half. However, the Aggies (5-9, 2-5) battled back and took a brief lead before trailing 30-29 at the intermission.

The second half saw Delaware Valley start fast and score nine of the first 12, including six by Mike Williams, to take a six-point lead. The squad was still up six, 46-40 with 12:14 remaining when Eastern went on 11-4 spurt to regain the lead at 51-50 with 8:31 to go. That was the second of eight lead changes in the half.

The Aggies took their last lead of the game with 5:07 remaining as a Williams block led a fast-break opportunity and a Cam Prince layup to make it 56-54. The Eagles responded with five straight, including three by Tyrone Coleman and they eventually upped the advantage to four, 62-58, with less than three minutes remaining.

Williams hit a layup to make it a one-possession game and both teams missed shots on their next trips downcourt. Eastern then had the ball and Chris Myers missed a layup, but Tucker was there for the tip-in and a 64-60 lead with 30 ticks to go. The Aggies turned the ball over and Soaries was sent to the foul line where he hit both shots for a six-point advantage. 

James Jones cut that to four on a layup with 14 seconds remaining. Delaware Valley forced a turnover on the in-bounds play, but they the ball right back on a turnover of its own. Soaries was fouled again with 12 seconds left and he sealed the game by hitting both shots.

Soaries finished with a game-high 18 points and also added seven rebounds and five steals. Tucker notched 16 points and five boards while Jason Reels contributed nine points in the win.

Jones and Williams poured in 16 points apiece to pace the Aggies. Chris Mayo added 10 points and seven boards while Prince came off the bench to tally seven points, five rebounds and three assists.