Franklin Springs, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team hosted Augusta University today in regional play. The Jaguars got off to a strong start offensively, but the Lions roared back to trail 39-36 at the break. The Jaguars held onto the lead in the second half, with a late run by the Lions making it a one-possession game, but Augusta would hold on to take home an 89-84 victory. With the loss, the Lions fall to 5-5 on the season.
In the first half, the Jaguars got off to a hot start jumping out to an 8-point lead early, 15-8. The Lions would respond well to cut the Jaguars lead to three on back-to-back three-pointers by
Chris Dees, making the score 28-25 with 8:01 to play in the half. After a run by the Jaguars, the Lions responded well to bring the game within two points on a jumper by
Kendall Latney with 4:54 to go. The Lions shot 48% from the field in the first half, connecting on 3-8 from three-point range and 7-8 from the charity stripe. At the break, Augusta led the Lions 39-36.
In the second, Jaguars jumped out to a six-point lead, 49-43. The Lions responded well with a jumper by
John Kenoye to cut the deficit to three, 50-47, with 15:08 to play. Augusta would answer with a 11-4 run to make it 61-51 with 10:58 to play. The Lions roared back with a made three-pointer by
Devin Story and a and one opportunity by
Tavarus Webb would cut the Jaguars lead to 4 with 6:48 to play,68-64. The Jaguars shot 61% from the field in the half, but the Lions stayed in it with several key plays when it counted. With five minutes to play, Augusta led by 11, 77-66 but a made three-pointer by
Elisee Ehuie followed by a jumper and free throws from
Kendall Latney would cut Augusta's lead to 5 with 3:36 to go. The Jaguars would hold on to win by 5, 89-84.
Four Lions ended the afternoon in double digits, with
Tavarus Webb leading the way with 30 points 5 assists and 3 steals.
Elisee Ehuie contributed 17 on the afternoon, with
Kendall Latney adding a double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Next up, the Lions will travel to Due West, SC to take on Erskine in Conference Carolinas play on Saturday at 4PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.
