Box Score Melbourne, Fla. – Trailing by one, Erskine's Mike Gabbard (Erlanger, KY, Boone County High School) drove the lane for the game-winning layup as Erskine (4-3) defeated Union University (3-1) 73 to 72 this afternoon in the Florida Tech Thanksgiving Tournament at the Clemente Center.

With just under two minutes remaining, Union's Pedro Faller hit a 3-point shot and drew the foul.  He made the subsequent free throw to put Union up by one.  Gabbard drew a foul on the Fleet's next possession, making both free throws.  Union regained the lead on their next possession as Corieon Pearson made both his free throws, setting up Gabbard's heroics.

Following Gabbard's basket, Erskine preserved their lead with a block byBrandon Willkerson (Summerville, SC, Summerville High School) and a steal by Gabbard.

Erskine trailed most of the opening period but closed out the half on a 7-0 run to take a 39 to 38 lead into the locker room at intermission.  Down by six with four minutes remaining, Gabbard hit a 3-point shot followed by a jumper to give the Fleet a one point advantage at halftime.'

Gabbard finished with 19 points and 5 assists.  Senior Chris Gore (Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach High School) earned his double-double of the season with a season-high 15 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.  Sophomore Roderick Perkins (Smyrna, GA, Campbell High School) also earned a double-double with a game-high 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Erskine had just three turnovers in the contest.

Union was led by Ashanti Day's double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.  Pearson scored a team-high 24 points while Faller finished with 10 points.

Erskine will play the winner of the Florida Tech – UPR-Rio Pedras game tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. in the championship game of the tournament.