SPARTANBURG, SC – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team traveled to Spartanburg, SC for their first conference game of the season against the undefeated Converse Valkyries. The first half of play was evenly matched, with three ties and 11 lead changes. But the Valkyries got hot offensively in the second half, shooting almost 70% from the field, to take down the Lions 104-76. With the loss, the Lions fall to 5-3 overall, 0-1 in conference play. 
 
 The first half was back and forth, with the teams' trading baskets. The Lions were 14-31 from the field in the first (45%), and 6-15 from beyond the arc. They were led by junior, Chris Dees who scored 16 points in the half, and was 4-6 from three. The Valkyries led by five at the half, 39-34. 
 
The Lions shot 58% in the second half of play, (18-31 from the field) but they had no answer for Converse, who was 22-32 from the field (68.75%) and 9-12 from beyond the arc (75%). The Valkyries took the win, 104-76, moving to 7-0 on the season. 
 
Dees led the Lions in scoring with 23 points and 5 rebounds. Senior, KJ Jones II had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on the night, and junior, Kendall Latney led the team in rebounds (7) and added 10 points of his own. 
 
Next up, the Lions will host Georgia College on Wednesday at 7p.m. in the Shaw Athletic Center Williamson Arena. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University Athletics, visit goeulions.com.