WINCHESTER, Va. (EMU Athletics) – EMU was back in action on Wednesday, making the short trip up to Winchester to take on Shenandoah University.
The Royals led by three at the half, and after a late three from Donovan Arnason, found themselves ahead by one with just over a minute left. But the Hornets went on a 7-2 run over the final 1:24, to snag a 65-61 win.
Records: EMU 5-11, 2-5 ODAC | Shenandoah 8-9, 1-6 ODAC
Highlights
First Half
Shenandoah jumped ahead 7-0 to start the game, before a pair of free throws from Jazen Walker got EMU on the board. The Hornets pushed their lead to eight with a three, but EMU rallied with a 5-0 tilt, picking up a three from Hezekiah Brown and a layup from Walker, to pull within three. SU would continue to lead, getting it back to as many as eight at the 9:08 and 7:02 marks. But, with Shenandoah leading 22-14, EMU went on a 14-0 run, spanning 5:32 and picking up seven points from Aaron Brooks and three from Edixon Blanco. The Hornets called a timeout and, out of the break, finished the half with three straight, as EMU took a 28-25 lead to the half.
Second Half
The Hornets opened the second half on an 8-0 run before a pair of free throws from Isaiah Carr gave the Royals their first points of the frame. A Carr layup pulled EMU within one, but SU answered with a jumper, and the teams traded points, with EMU working hard to keep Shenandoah’s lead between one and three points, over the next several minutes. Trailing 41-38, EMU scored three straight with a Walker layup and a Brooks free throw, tying the game at 41. But the Hornets responded with eight straight points, pushing their lead to 49-41. Over the next seven minutes, EMU outscored SU 14-6, with four points from Brooks and three apiece from Brown and Walker, to tie things at 55. Shenandoah took a 58-56 lead, before Arnason’s three gave the Royals a one-point lead late. But SU finished the game on a run to secure their first ODAC win of the season.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Brooks (14), Walker (11)
Rebounds: Zach Bailey (7)
Assists: Brooks (5)
Steals: Brown (3)
What’s Next
EMU is back on the floor on Friday, welcoming in Virginia Wesleyan to Yoder Arena. Tipoff against the Marlins is set for 5:30 pm.
— EMU Athletics —
