BELMONT, NC – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team traveled to Belmont, NC to take on the Belmont Abbey Crusaders in Conference Carolinas action. The rematch of the 2022 Conference Title game was as advertised, evenly matched with 18 lead changes and 6 ties. The Crusaders would lead by as much as 8 points in the second half, but the Lions would mount a comeback and a layup and free throw by KJ Jones would be the difference maker, giving Emmanuel a thrilling 73-70 victory. With the win, the Lions improve to 12-4 on the season, 4-1 in conference play.
 
In the first half of play, the Lions were 16-29 from the field (55.1%) and 5-10 from beyond the arc. The game was back and forth, with multiple lead changes throughout the first half. The Crusaders would lead by as much as 7 in the half, but key threes by junior, Kendall Latney and red-shirt sophomore, Spudd Webb would get the Lions back in it, and a layup by junior, Chris Dees gave the Lions a 38-37 lead at the half. 
 
In the second half, the Crusaders got off to a hot start, leading by as much as 8 early on. The Lions shot 50% from the field (12-24) and took their first lead of the half on a jumper by Kendall Latney with 5:18 to play in the contest. The teams would trade buckets the rest of the way. The Lions would get the last word on a key lay-up by KJ Jones II, to give Emmanuel the 73-70 victory. 
 
Jones led all scorers with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Kendall Latney contributed a double-double, with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and a block. Chris Dees added 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist. 
 
Next up, the Lions will host Young Harris on Tuesday at 7PM in the Shaw Athletic Center.
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.