FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA – The Emmanuel Women's Basketball team hosted the Newberry College Wolves today in regional action. After a few lead changes early, the Lions settled in, going 4-8 from beyond the arc in the first quarter. Things continued to click for the Lions offensively in the second half of play, and the home team won by nine, 64-55. With the win, Emmanuel improves to 8-4 overall on the season. 
 
In the first quarter of play, junior Abby Crawford shined, going 3-4 from three, The Lions shot 7-15 from the field in the first, and 4-8 from beyond the arc. After the first, Emmanuel led the Wolves 18-12. 
 
The second quarter was a defensive battle, with neither team getting into a rhythm offensively. Emmanuel was 3-8 from the field (37.5%), outscoring Newberry 9-5 in the quarter. Emmanuel led by 10, 27-17 at the half. 
 
In the third quarter, Emmanuel extended their lead to 13 before the Wolves began mounting a comeback. The Lions were 7-17 from the field (41%), but the Wolves were 8-12, outscoring the Lions in the quarter, 21-17, cutting into Emmanuel's lead. After three, Emmanuel led by 6, 44-38.
 
The final quarter of play was a good one, with both teams shooting over 60% from the field. Abby Crawford continued to shine offensively, shooting 5-7 from the field, and staying hot from downtown. The Lions extended their lead to 17 with 2:05 to play and would end up taking the game, 64-55. 
 
Crawford led the Lions with a career-high 27 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. Senior, Sydney Wyatt added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists to the total, and junior, Maddie Futch contributed 11 points, 2 assists, a rebound and a steal. 
 
Next up, the Lions will travel to Belmont, NC on January 6 to take on the Belmont Abbey Crusaders in Conference Carolinas play at 2PM. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.