HICKORY, NC - The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team traveled to Hickory, NC to take on Lenoir-Rhyne in their final matchup of 2023. The Bears would lead early by as much as 5, but the Lions offense would start clicking midway through the first half and take over the lead behind a career high 43-points by, KJ Jones II. Emmanuel would take the contest, 85-72. With the win, the Lions improve to 10-4 on the season. 
 
The first half saw five early lead changes. The Bears would get off to a quick start, leading by five, 21-16 with 8:46 to play in the half. A few key three-pointers by juniors Chris Dees and Elisee Ehuie would help the Lions reclaim the lead. Emmanuel would go on a run to end the first, and would lead by 9, 39-30 at the half. The Lions shot 57% from the field in the first and were 7-14 (50%) from beyond the arc, with Dees making three.  
 
In the second half, the Lions continued to connect from three, making 6-8 (75%), five of those by senior, KJ Jones II.  From the field, the Lions were 13-22 (59%). In the half, the Lions would extend their lead by as much as 19, and would take the contest, 85-72. 
 
Four Lions would end the night in double figures scoring. Jones would lead the way with a career-high, 43 points. He was 13-17 from the field, 6-7 from beyond the arc, and 11-12 from the foul line. He also contributed 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal on the night. Junior, Kendall Latney would add 15 points on the night, with Dees and Ehuie adding 14 and 12 to the total. 
 
Next up, the Lions will look to avenge a loss from earlier this season, as they host Augusta University on January 1 at 2PM. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.