SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team closed out play in the Puerto Rico Clasico today with a game against Universidad del Sagrado Corazon. Sacred Heart was a tough test for the Lions, as the game saw three ties and six lead changes. The Lions were up for the challenge and finished out the game, 72-69 to move to 5-1 overall on the season. 
 
In the first half, the Lions got off to a strong start offensively shooting 56% from the field and 38.46% from beyond the arc. The Lions started the game on a 7-0 run and would lead by as much as 13 in the first half of play. At the half, Emmanuel led 42-33. 
 
In the second half, Sacred Heart's offense started clicking and they outscored the Lions, 36-30. The Lions were 9-23 from the field (39.13%) in the half. Sacred Heart took their first lead of the game with 11:34 to play in the game on a three made by Adrian Malave, to give Sacred Heart a 51-49 lead. The Lions however, were calm in the face of adversity and began to pick up the pace offensively, taking the lead back for good shortly after. Sacred Heart kept it close the rest of the way, but the Lions came away with a win, 72-69. 
 
National Player of the Week, KJ Jones II led the way offensively with 26 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists and 2 steals. Junior, Chris Dees was 3-4 from beyond the arc and contributed 15 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal on the night. Sophomore, Spudd Webb had a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in the match up. 
 
Next up, the Lions will host USC Aiken on November 29^th at 7PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.