FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The men's basketball team hosted conference rival Belmont Abbey on Tuesday night. The Lions iced the Crusaders on White Out night, winning in dramatic fashion, 95-89. The victory moves Emmanuel to 10-5 (9-2 CC) and keeps them in second place in the league. 

The first 15 minutes of the game were ice cold for the Lions as they went 0-10 from three point range and 2-20 from the field. They trailed the Crusaders 14-33 at one point, with 10 of Emmanuel's points coming from free throws. However, a spark was lit in the last four minutes as the Lions suddenly captured all the momentum. KJ Jones II led the charge, putting up 12 points in under three minutes. But despite the explosive effort late, the Lions still entered halftime trailing by nine points, 38-47. 

Senior Michael Wright opened the second half with a three for the Lions, closing the deficit to six points. Over the next eight minutes the Lions hung within two possessions, but were unable to close the gap. Trailing 53-59 with 13 minutes to play, Jones forced a turnover and converted a layup on the other end. In the process he drew a flagrant foul, which gave him two more free throws and retained possession for the Lions. After Jones converted both free throws, senior Brandon Simpson scored a layup that gave Emmanuel six points in four seconds of game time, suddenly tying the score at 59. Several minutes later, freshman Chris Dees stole the show, catching fire from downtown and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Dees made 5/6 three pointers in the span of four minutes, including four straight. Senior Isaiah Foster added one of his own during the run as the Lions quickly found themselves leading by eight points, 77-69. Dees soon added his sixth three pointer of the game before sophomore Jayvion Rucker knocked down another. Emmanuel ended up going 11 of 19 from three in the second half, cementing an epic comeback as they defeated the Crusaders by six points, 95-89. 

With his historic performance from beyond the arc, Chris Dees led the way for the Lions, finishing with 18 points and 4 rebounds. Jones and senior Tyonn Stuckey put up 16 each, Jones adding 6 boards and 6 assists, while Stuckey had 1 and 2. 

Next up, men's basketball will face Chowan University at home on Thursday, January 28 at 6:00pm. 

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