HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – Following a three-game road trip last week, the EMU Women’s Basketball team returned to the friendly confines of Yoder Arena on Wednesday to face off with Washington Adventist. Down 14 in the second half, the Royals roared back to take a late lead but ultimately fell short against the Shock, 67-62.
EMU had two standout scorers on the evening. Jeriyah Osborne, a junior from Lynchburg, Va., scored a season-high 21 points, 16 of which came in the second half. Grace Burke, a sophomore from Stephens City, Va., added 18 points, shooting 50 percent (6-of-12) from three-point land. First-year Emma Johnson had a career night, contributing eight points to the Royals’ cause.
For Washington Adventist, Heather Middleton led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds, just one rebound shy of a double-double. Jered Lyons, the Shock’s head coach, is a 2008 graduate of EMU.
Records: EMU 3-3, 0-0 ODAC | Washington Adventist 4-0, 0-0 Continental
Highlights
First Quarter
After a two-point basket for each side, the Royals took their first lead of the night with a Burke three-pointer at the 8:47 mark. However, the Shock countered with an 8-0 run to go up 10-5. EMU then used a trio of three-pointers, two from Burke and one from Lauren Townsend, tying the score at 14 apiece. Washington Adventist got the final three points of the period to take a 17-14 lead after 10 minutes.
Second Quarter
Burke splashed her fourth three-pointer of the night to tie the game at 17. The teams mostly traded baskets throughout the second quarter, with the Shock edging ahead to a 31-25 halftime lead on five unanswered points to end the period.
Third Quarter
The Royals started the second half scoring with two Kaylene Todd free throws. However, the visiting Shock largely controlled the rest of the third period, outscoring the Royals 18-11 for the frame to lead by as much as 14. Osborne scored four points in the frame, Lauryn Mayn chipped in a layup, and Johnson nailed a three-pointer. Washington Adventist went up 49-36 going into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
EMU steadily inched their way back into the game, getting within single digits thanks to a Johnson three-pointer and a layup by Osborne, making the score 51-43. A Washington Adventist layup brought their lead back to double digits at 53-43, but then the Royals took over. A spirited 11-0 scoring run by EMU gave them their first lead since the first quarter. Townsend got the rally going with a jumper, followed by four points by Osborne. Lexie Dingus chipped in a free throw, Johnson got a driving layup, and Osborne added a driving layup of her own that put the Royals out front, 54-53. But the Shock battled back, taking the lead for good on a Nia Powell layup with 1:42 remaining to stem the EMU comeback.
Statistical Leaders
Scoring: Osborne (21)
Rebounds: Todd (6)
Assists: Townsend (4)
Steals: Osborne (4)
What’s Next
EMU Women’s Basketball will make a trip to the Keystone State this Saturday, Nov. 22 to take Wilson College. Opening tip against the Phoenix is scheduled for 1 p.m.
— EMU Athletics —
