FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The men's basketball team faced the Converse Valkyries on Tuesday night. The Lions defeated the first year program 79-64, moving Emmanuel's record to 12-6 (11-3 CC). 

The game was a homecoming of sorts for two of Converse's coaches. Austin Greene and Nate Williams both played for the Lions under Coach Rosene, graduating in 2019. Both were hired as assistant coaches for the Converse men's program that is in the first season of its existence. 

The Lions opened with the first five points of the game, giving them a lead that they never surrendered. 10 minutes into the game Emmanuel was leading by a dozen, 27-15. However, a 14-4 run in favor of Converse got the Valkyries back within a possession. The Lions were slow to respond, but a three pointer by senior Isaiah Foster at the buzzer sent them into halftime with a seven point advantage, 43-36. 

Emmanuel controlled the game in the second half, but Converse didn't go away. The Valkyries kept trying to make things interesting and charge into the lead, but steady shooting and hard defense by the Lions helped them maintain their advantage. With six minutes to go and a 16 point lead, Emmanuel went cold, unable to score for four minutes of game time. However, Converse could only put up five points of their own before sophomore KJ Jones II knocked down a three pointer at the two minute mark, ending the scoring hiatus and icing the game. Foster added his fourth three of the night, recording the last basket of the game as Emmanuel won by 15 points, 79-64. 

KJ Jones II led the way for Emmanuel, putting up a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Isaiah Foster followed with 12 points, going 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. 

Next up, men's basketball will face Erskine College at home this Thursday, February 3 at 7:00pm. 

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