Spartanburg, SC - The women's basketball team played the final game of their regular season on Thursday night against the Converse Valkyries. The Valkyries defeated the Lions, 56-50, making Emmanuel's final record 9-16 overall and 9-13 in conference play. This gives the Lions an 8 seed heading into the post season, with the first round set for Sunday at 7:00pm against 9 seed Lees-McRae (UNC Pembroke will host). 

The Lions led 9-4 four minutes into the game, but the Valkyries ended the first quarter on a 14-4 run that gave them the lead after ten minutes, 18-13. A low-scoring second quarter ensued as the Lions only scored 11 points but held the Valkyries to just 8. This gave Converse a slim lead at the half, 26-24. 

Emmanuel regained the lead in the third quarter, once again playing strong defense and only allowing Converse to score 10 points. The Lions put up 15 themselves, giving them a one possession lead over the Valkyries, 39-36. However, Emmanuel only made 29% of their attempts from the field in the final ten minutes (4-14) allowing Converse to regain the lead. The Lions remained within a possession with under two minutes to go, but solid free throw shooting by the Valkyries kept them on top as then won the game 56-50. 

Junior Jeanetta Elder led the way, putting up a double-double that included 19 points and 14 rebounds. Junior Jazmin Allen followed with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. 

Next up, women's basketball will begin postseason play as the 8 seed by facing 9 seed Lees-McRae this Sunday at 7 PM. The teams will face each other at UNC Pembroke (#5 seed), with the winner facing the host Braves at 5:00pm on Monday, February 28. The winner of that matchup will then head to Spartanburg for the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 4.

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