FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team hosted #1 UNC Pembroke today in one of the most highly anticipated match ups in Conference Carolinas play this season. The game was as advertised, with four ties and six lead changes, but the Lions made more plays and came out on top, 78-67. With the win, Emmanuel extends their win streak to TEN, improving to 19-4 on the season, 11-1 in conference play.
 
The Lions came out on fire, getting out to a 15-2 lead early. Emmanuel was 14-25 from the field, with senior, KJ Jones II contributing 13 points and junior, Kendall Latney adding 9 in the half. The Braves would mount a comeback, but at the break, the Lions led by six, 34-28.
 
The Braves came out after the half and quickly took their first lead of the game, 36-34 but Emmanuel would have an answer. The teams traded points for the first several minutes of the half until the Lions took the lead for good on two made free throws by KJ Jones. The Lions would go on a 13-3 run to take a 60-50 lead midway through the half. Emmanuel would lead by as much as 15 points with 0:33 seconds to play and would end up winning the match up, 78-67! 
 
Three Lions ended the night in double figures with KJ Jones leading the way with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Junior, Kendall Latney had a big night with 24 points, 9 rebounds, a block and a steal and red-shirt sophomore, Tavarus Webb added 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. 
 
Next up, the Lions will host Francis Marion on Saturday at 4PM in conference action. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.