AUGUSTA, GA - The #8 seed men's basketball team played No. 10 in the Nation and #1 seed Augusta University in the first round of the NCAA DII tournament on Saturday. The Jaguars defeated the Lions, 83-74.
Augusta jumped out to an 8-0 lead early in the game after knocking down back-to-back three pointers and adding a layup. They soon led by nine, 13-4. A dunk from KJ Jones II and three pointer from Chris Dees soon got the Lions back within six, making it 9-15. The momentum continued to seesaw throughout the remainder of the first half. The Jags led by as much as 12 (28-16), but a 12-2 run in favor of the Lions got Emmanuel back within a possession, 28-30. Another three from Dees and a three from Tavarus Webb were key to the offensive explosion. However, the Jags would end the half on a 10-2 run of their own, taking a 10 point lead into the break, 40-30.
The second half continued much like the first. The Lions would get within arms reach, but the Jags had a counter for every punch Emmanuel threw. With ten minutes left the Jags led by 10, 58-48. At the seven and a half minute mark Augusta gained their largest lead of the night with a three pointer, going up 16 (65-49). Just when it started to look like it was over the Lions put together another incredible run. Six points from Jones (four free throws and a layup) were followed by back-to-back three pointers from range at the hands of Dees (his fourth and fifth from downtown). A dunk from Jones got Emmanuel within nine points with just under three minutes to play. Despite Emmanuel's efforts Augusta kept answering on the other end. A layup from Jones and the sixth three of the night from Dees got Emmanuel within two possessions with 1:12 on the clock (70-76). The Lions quickly got the ball back and Webb took it all the way, making the score 72-76 and electrifying the hopes of Lion fans. However, with well under a minute on the clock the Lions were soon forced to foul the Jags. Augusta was able to convert every free throw down the stretch, holding off Emmanuel and resulting in an 83-74 win for the Jags.
Chris Dees finished with a career high 24 points, going 8-13 from the field and 6-9 from three. He added 3 assists, 3 steals, and a rebound. KJ Jones II recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Tavarus Webb had 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
This concludes the 2022-23 season for men's basketball.
For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.
