Box Score FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA – The Emmanuel Lady Lions Basketball team hosted USC Aiken in their home opener of the 2023-24 season tonight. This was an evenly matched game with 8 ties and 16 lead changes. Four quarters wasn't enough in this one, and the Lions took advantage of extra time, taking down the Pacers, 80-77. 
 
In the first quarter, the Lions got off to a slow start, shooting 3-13 from the field (23.1%) and 1-5 from beyond the arc (20%). The Pacers led after the first, 15-11. 
 
In the second, the Lions got in sync offensively, shooting 8-13 from the field (61.5%) and 4-6 from the charity stripe. At the half, the Lions led 33-26. 
 
In the third, USC Aiken took back over the lead, shooting 9-19 (47.4%) from the field and 50% from three.  The Lions scored 17 points in the quarter and were 5-14 (35.7%) from the field. The Pacers led by as much as 5 in the quarter and had the lead for more than 7 minutes in the period. 
 
In the fourth, Emmanuel fought back shooting 9-15 (60%) from the field and 40% from three. The Lions tied things up with a mere seconds to go to force overtime, tied at 71. 
 
In overtime, there were four lead changes, with the teams continuing to go back and forth. Emmanuel led for 0:17 seconds of overtime, but was able to outlast the Pacers, 80-77!
 
Senior, Sydney Wyatt led the way for Emmanuel with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals! Junior, Abby Crawford contributed 18 points, five boards, 1 assist, 1 block, and a steal. Junior, Maddie Futch also scored in double figures, with 13 points and 6 rebounds. 
 
Next up, the Lions will face Lander University on Friday at 5PM in Anderson, SC! 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.