Due West, SC – The Emmanuel Women's Basketball team traveled to Due West, SC today to take on Erskine College in conference action. The two teams were evenly matched early, with the Lions leading by four, 42-38 at the half. The second half saw the Lions pull away behind a 32-point afternoon by
Naomi Roberts. The Lions would bring home an 80-69 victory to move to 3-7 on the season, 2-3 in conference action.
The first quarter was evenly matched, with both teams having an answer.
Naomi Roberts got things started out of the gate for Emmanuel with a three-pointer. She had 10 of her 32 points in the first quarter. There were multiple ties and lead changes in the first quarter, with the Lions leading by as much as five points, 18-13 with 1:26 to play. At the end of the first, the Lions led the Flying Fleet, 19-18.
In the second, the Flying Fleet took the lead early, 25-21 but the Lions responded well to tie things at 25 on a jumper by
Emma Leonard with 6:24 to play until the half. The Lions would go on a 17-9 run in quarter capped off by a made three-pointer by
Natalee Goff to push the Lions lead to eight points, 42-34. The Lions shot 50% from the field in the quarter, connecting on 3-7 from beyond the arc. At the break, the Lions led Erskine 42-38.
In the third, the Lions jumped out to a seven-point lead, 48-41 on a jumper by
Maddie Futch. The Flying Fleet would respond to bring the game within two points with 2:56 to play in the quarter, but the Lions answered back to push the lead back up to six points. The Lions shot 31% in the quarter and led the Flying Fleet by eight, 60-52 at the end of the third.
The Lions would start the fourth quarter on a 9-2 run to give Emmanuel their biggest lead of the day at points, 69-54 with 5:49 to play. Erskine would respond to bring the score to 69-65 with 2:55 to go, but the Lions would finish the game on a 11-4 run to win the game, 80-69.
Naomi Roberts finished the afternoon with a career high 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Abby Crawford had 17 points the day, connecting on 7-8 free throws.
Maddie Futch had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Next up, the Lions will host Mount Olive on Tuesday at 2PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.
