MOUNT OLIVE, NC - The men's basketball team played the Mount Olive Trojans on Saturday afternoon. The Trojans narrowly clipped the Lions, 89-84, snapping Emmanuel's perfect record in conference play. The Lions are now 8-3 overall and 7-1 in Conference Carolinas. 

The game was back and forth from the get go until the score was tied at 18. The Trojans then crept into a slight advantage that they held for the rest of the half. After 20 minutes of play the Lions trailed by six points, 41-35. 

The second half was a roller coaster for both teams as the momentum surged from side to side. With 10 minutes remaining the Lions were four back (59-63). However, 11 unanswered points for the Trojans propelled them to their largest advantage of the night, 15 points (74-59). With six and a half minutes on the clock, freshman Chris Dees ended the cold streak for the Lions, draining a three and knocking the deficit back to a dozen. The Lions followed with nine more quick points, suddenly cutting UMO's lead back to just six. The last five minutes were a hectic scramble for both teams as the Lions put on an offensive charge. However, the Trojans routinely answered Emmanuel's baskets to maintain a slim lead. With just 32 seconds left, Dees sank another three, pulling the score within a point, 82-83. But an offense rebound for the Trojans after a miss with the shot clock off forced the Lions to intentionally foul. Clutch free throw shooting for UMO is what won them the game, as all of their last eight points came from converted free throws. 

Brandon Simpson led the way for the Lions with 21 points  and 12 rebounds. Jayvion Rucker followed with a career high 17 points while adding 6 boards. 

Next up, men's basketball will host Augusta University on New Years Eve at 2:00pm. 

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