TRAVELERS REST, SC. – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball Team traveled away to visit the Crusaders at North Greenville University. Missing their last shot in this very close match up, they fell to the Crusaders 65-66.

Leading the Lions in scoring and rebounds was Kendrick Colvin. He landed 14-points and 8 rebounds to help push the Lions forward.

North Greenville had a tough defense to go up against as they pulled out an early lead, 5-12, in the first half. Kendrick Colvin was fouled by the Crusaders allowing him to tie the game 15-15 with two free throws. Derek Vandiver came off the bench to sink his first 3-pointer pushing the Lions in the lead. Emmanuel was shooting 67% from the free throw line, which played in their advantage with the fouls coming from the Crusaders. Their lead continued to grow as the first half came to and end with the Lions up 30-21.

The Crusaders defense showed in the beginning of the second half just like the first half. The Lions scored against them, but the Crusaders were able to tie the game, 34-34, with fourteen minutes left in the half. The game was neck and neck with back to back shots from the Crusaders and Derek Vandiver, for the Lions. The Crusaders swept through to regain the lead 49-55. With four minutes left, Colton Collins tied the game, 59-59, with a 3-pointer. With less than a minute, the Crusaders took over the lead 63-66. Elijah Robinson had a tip in off an offensive rebound to bring the score up 65-66. The Crusaders missed their shot in their last possession of the game, but so did the Lions which ended the game with a loss, 65-66.

The Lions now hold an overall record of 12-9, with a conference record of 6-5. The Lions will host King University at home on Saturday, February 3 at 4 PM.

For more information, please visit www.goeclions.com.