Aiken, SC – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team traveled to Aiken, SC tonight to take on the USC Aiken Pacers in regional play. The Lions battled from the start, holding the Pacers to a 34-28 lead at the half. The Lions roared back in the second half, but the Pacers would escape with the win, 78-77. With the loss, the Lions fall to 1-4 on the season.
 
In the first half of play, the Pacers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead.  The Lions roared back to take their first lead of the game at 11-10 on a three-pointer by Tavarus Webb. Issac Jones would connect on back-to-back threes to give the Lions a 17-14 lead with 11:04 to play in the half. The Pacers would respond with a 9-0 run to take a 23-17 lead with 5:55 to play in the half. In the first, the Lions shot 32.1% from the field and were 4-5 from the free throw line.  At the break, USC Aiken led the Lions, 34-28. 
 
The Lions started the first half strong, getting within one point of the lead on a three pointer by Massimo Moretti to make it 39-38, Pacers with 16:49 to play. The Pacers responded well with a 10-2 run, to make it 49-40 with 14:49 to go. The Lions answered back to tie things up at 61 with 6:39 to play on made free throws by Webb. The Pacers would retake the lead going up by as much as seven points, 75-68 but the Lions would roar back with a 9-4 run to get within a point, 78-77 which would be the final score. In the second half, the Lions shot 43.8% from the field, making a perfect 15-15 at the free throw line.
 
Four Lions ended the night in double figures scoring, with Kendall Latney leading the way with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Elisee Ehuie had 13 points on the night with Tavarus Webb and Isaac Jones contributing 12 points apiece. 
 
Next up, the Lions start conference play hosting Chowan University on Saturday at 4PM in the Shaw Athletic Center. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.