HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – EMU and Virginia Wesleyan squared off for the second time this season, this time in front of the home crowd of Yoder Arena.
EMU’s offense was clicking in the first half, shooting 42% from the field, including 50% from three. But it was a different story in the second, as it was Marlins who got hot, shooting 56% from the field in a 39-point half, en route to a 60-44 win over EMU.
Records: EMU 5-12, 2-6 ODAC | Virginia Wesleyan 11-5, 6-1 ODAC
Highlights
First Half
Both offenses started slow to kick off the game, with things tied at two through the first four minutes. VWU was able to take a lead with a 5-0 run, but EMU came alive, going on a 17-4 run over a span of 6:08. During that run, Aaron Brooks scored five, Zach Bailey added four and BJ Nkrumah and Hezekiah Brown each had three, giving EMU a 19-11 lead. The Royals once again went on a big run, this time 11-5, highlighted by a three from Bailey and two points each from Brooks, Brown, Donovan Arnason and Jazen Walker, to give EMU a 30-18 advantage. After a Marlin free throw, a Brooks layup gave EMU its largest lead of the game. The teams traded free throws in the final minutes, as EMU took a 33-21 lead into the half.
Second Half
Isaiah Carr extended EMU’s lead to start the second half, using a layup and-one for a traditional three-point play. Over the next seven minutes, however, EMU was outscored by VWU 21-0, as the Marlins stormed ahead for a 42-36 lead. A Carr free throw got EMU back on the board, but the Marlins answered, this time with a 14-4 run to take a 15 point lead with just under seven minutes to play. Unfortunately for the Royals, their offense went without a field goal over the final 7:55, picking up three free throws to wrap up the scoring, as VWU secured the win.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Brooks (12)
Rebounds: Walker (9)
Assists: Brooks (3)
Steals: Nkrumah (2)
What’s Next
The road doesn’t get any easier for EMU, as they’re back in action on Wednesday, traveling to Ashland to take on #5 Randolph Macon. Tipoff against the Yellow Jackets is set for 7:00 pm.
— EMU Athletics —
