FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The men's basketball team hosted the Barton College Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon. The Lions defeated the Bulldogs, 96-82, moving Emmanuel's record to 9-5 (8-2 CC). 

The game began with senior Tyonn Stuckey knocking down a three to give the Lions the first points of the day. The next 17 minutes were fast paced, but neither team shot particularly well as the score remained close. With the score tied at 31 and just over two minutes left in the first half, the Lions put up 8 unanswered points. A three pointer from senior Michael Wright was the final basket before the break, giving the Lions a 39-31 advantage after 20 minutes. 

The Lions improved their offensive performance in the second half, going 16-26 from the field and 6-11 from beyond the arc. The fast paced and aggressive nature of the game resulted in plenty of fouls, and the Lions were able to capitalize. They shot 78% from the charity stripe, going 32-41. Nearly half of those came from sophomore KJ Jones II, who went 15 of 18 from the line. As the Lions piled on points the Bulldogs struggled to keep up. Emmanuel never trailed in the second half and went on to win by 14 points, 96-82. 

KJ Jones II set the pace for the Lions on offense, putting up 26 points and dishing out 6 assists. Tyonn Stuckey followed with 16 points. Sophomore Jayvion Rucker recorded a dominate performance under the basket, grabbing 15 rebounds to go with 15 points and 3 blocks. 

Next up, men's basketball will host Belmont Abbey College on Tuesday, January 25 at 7:30pm. Be sure to show up wearing white!

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