DUE WEST, S.C. - The Emmanuel College men's basketball team improved their record to 8-7 overall and 5-2 in conference by defeating Erskine College 59-58 on Wednesday night. 

 

The game was a thriller that included 16 lead changes, many of which took place within the last few minutes of play. 

 

Emmanuel set the pace in the first half, eventually holding a 7 point lead after the first 20 minutes of play. The Lions maintained this lead throughout the first ten minutes of the second half. However, Erskine put together a run with 10 minutes remaining in the game that kept their hopes alive. 

 

As the clock wound down inside a minute to play, Erskine took a 2 point lead, 58-56. Senior Emerson McClung was fouled on the next play and converted both of his free throws, tying the game 58-58. Erskine had a couple of chances to take the lead due to offensive rebounds with less than 30 seconds remaining, but they couldn't convert. With 5 seconds remaining in the game, Erskine's Rod Culver rebounded a missed shot by the Flying Fleet. However, Brandon Simpson stole the ball from Culver under the basket, giving the Lions one more chance to score with 3.5 seconds remaining after Coach Rosene called a timeout. 

 

Junior Tyonn Stuckey took the ball down the court for Emmanuel and drew a blocking foul that sent him to the line to shoot two free throws with two seconds remaining. Stuckey converted the first free throw, putting the Lions up 59-58. After missing the second free throw attempt, Erskine immediately called a timeout. Junior Charlie Velazquez stole the ball after the inbound and sealed the victory for Emmanuel, 59-58. 

 

Sophomore Michael Wright led the way for the Lions with 14 points. McClung and junior Brandon Simpson followed with 11 each. 

 

Neither team put on a stellar shooting performance, each shooting 37% from the field and less than 30% from beyond the arc. The Lions made 61% of free throws while the Flying Fleet struggled from the line, only converting 45% of their attempts. Emmanuel gave up 19 turnovers but still won the turnover battle by forcing 21 from Erskine. 

 

Next up, men's basketball will continue conference play against Limestone University on Saturday, January 11th. 

 

For more news on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.