Box Score SPARTANBURG, SC - The men's basketball team played the semifinal round of the Atlantic Casualty Conference Carolina's Championship on Saturday. The #2 seed Lions defeated the #3 seed Barton Bulldogs, 86-69. Emmanuel will now face #4 seed Belmont Abbey in the Championship at 4:00pm on Sunday, March 5.
Tavarus Webb got the action started for the Lions, scoring a quick five points off a layup and a three. Jeremiah Francis, Jasper Gibson, and KJ Jones II all added three pointers of their own soon after. The Lions led for the first ten minutes of the half, but hot shooting for the bulldogs kept them close, making the score 20-19 at the 11 minute mark. Under ten minutes the scoring slowed down as the game turned into a defensive battle, but the Lions continued to hold a slim advantage. The Lions slowly gained an edge until Jones converted an and-1 to make the score 34-27 with 3:55 to go in the half. Jones added a second three and a pair of free throws, giving the CC player of the year 15 points in the first half. The Lions led 45-35 entering the locker room.
Emmanuel continued to build on their lead in the second half, until they led by 18 points at the 15 minute mark, 59-41. However, a 10-2 run by the Bulldogs got them back within 10 points (61-51) with the clock at 11:00. Jones, Chris Dees, and Francis proceeded to all knock down three pointers, quickly rebuilding Emmanuel's large lead, 70-53. The second three pointer of the night for Jarrett Boyd and a three point play for Jones soon would give the Lions a 20 point lead with under five minutes to play, 79-59. There wasn't much the Bulldogs could do, as Emmanuel's defense prevented any comeback attempt. The Lions would go on to win by 17, 86-69.
The Lions were led by KJ Jones II, who finished with 26 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Jeremiah Francis followed with 15 points, while Tavarus Webb had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Jarrett Boyd matched his career high, putting up 8 points.
Emmanuel vs Belmont Abbey will tip off at 4:00pm tomorrow, Sunday March 5th. Tune in here, or follow the live stats here.
For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.
