HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – Before the Royals headed home to chow down on some turkey and pumpkin pie, they were looking to take care of business against undefeated Stevenson.

It took five extra minutes but, with EMU trailing by one in overtime after a late SU three, the Royals went on a 5-0 run in the final 55 seconds, to pick up a 64-60 win over the Mustangs.

Records: EMU 2-4, 0-0 ODAC | Stevenson 5-1, 0-0 MAC Commonwealth

Highlights

First Half
EMU got out to a 4-0 lead after a layup from Isaiah Carr and a jumper from Zach Bailey. The Mustangs responded with a 16-0 run that spanned 5:03, taking a 16-4 lead with just over 11 minutes left in the half. EMU picked up back-to-back buckets from Donovan Arnason and BJ Nkrumah, to cut their deficit to eight, but Stevenson responded with a tipin to push their lead back to 10. The Royals, however, continued to fight and got hot from the field, ending the half on a 17-7 run, including an 8-0 tilt over the final 2:20 of the frame, shooting 6-9 from the field and 3-3 from three. Edixon Blanco drilled a pair of threes, the last one coming at the buzzer, to tie things at 25 at the break.

Second Half
The teams traded buckets to start the second, before Stevenson went on a 7-0 run to take a 34-27 lead. They would continue to lead, and were able to extend their lead to as many as 12 twice in the second half, the latest coming at the 9:39 mark. But with EMU trailing by 12, the Royals went on a 12-0 run, highlighted by six points from Jazen Walker and three apiece from Bailey and Aaron Brooks, to tie things at 45. With 1:48 remaining, SU’s layup gave them a six point lead, but EMU responded with back-to-back threes from Hezekiah Brown and Nkrumah, to tie things once again. Neither team was able to break the tie, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime
Stevenson took an early lead in OT, but a 4-0 run from EMU, highlighted by a Walker layup and a pair of free throws from Brooks, put the Royals ahead by two with 3:08 left. A three from the Mustangs gave them a one-point lead, but Carr was fouled shooting a three and hit two of his charity stripe shots, putting EMU ahead by one. After a Stevenson miss, Brooks hit a running floater and Brown followed up with a free throw to seal the win for EMU.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Walker (14), Brooks (11), Carr and Nkrumah (10)
Rebounds: Carr (10)
Assists: Brooks (5)
Blocks: Bailey (2)
Steals: Brown (5), Nkrumah (3)

What’s Next
EMU is off for Thanksgiving break, but will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 3 when they head to Virginia Beach to open ODAC play against Virginia Wesleyan. Tipoff against the Marlins is set for 5:00 pm.

— EMU Athletics —