FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The men's basketball team hosted Chowan University on Thursday night. A game that was close the entire way ended in a three point victory for the Lions, 75-72. The win moves Emmanuel's record to 11-5 overall and 10-2 in league play. Next up, they'll face the 16-1 Braves of UNC Pembroke at 4:00pm this Saturday.
The game was back and forth from the get go as neither team led by more than five points for the majority of the first half. The Hawks rode a hot streak from three point range during the stretch, making 7 of 13 in the first 20 minutes. The Lions answered by converting three point plays themselves as several different players took it to the rim and got fouled. Emmanuel only hit 37% of their shots from the field in the first half, but they only trailed by a point going into the break, 36-37.
Emmanuel worked their way into their largest advantage of the night in the second half, leading by eight points with 11 minutes on the clock. With six minutes remaining the Lions still held an eight point advantage. However, during this time they went seven minutes without scoring a shot from the field. Their only points came off of free throws, and the cold streak allowed the Hawks to tie the score at 69 with less than two minutes to go. A pair of free throws were converted by senior Brandon Simpson, giving the Lions a two point lead. Then, with 14 seconds on the clock, senior Isaiah Foster took it to the basket, artfully finding the hoop with a lovely move in the paint to give Emmanuel a four point lead, 74-69. The Hawks knocked down a three pointer with 3 seconds left, drawing back within a possession. When Foster got fouled on the inbound he went to the line and drained both free throws, making the score 75-72. The Hawks hurled up a last ditch effort, but with only two seconds on the clock there wasn't much they could've done as the Lions won the game, 75-72.
KJ Jones II led the way for the Lions, posting 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Jayvion Rucker followed with a double double, recording 15 points and 11 boards.
Next up, men's basketball will face No. 7 UNC Pembroke on Saturday, January 29 at 4:00pm.
For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.
