Box Score Spartanburg, SC – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team faced off against the UNC Pembroke Braves this afternoon in the 2024 Atlantic Casualty Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship. The game was as advertised with several lead changes and ties throughout. The Braves would need extra time to come away with an 82-81 victory to earn the title. With the loss, the Lions fall to 25-6 on the season.
 
The Braves jumped out to an early lead in the first half, leading 20-12 with 11:15 to play in the half. The Lions mounted a comeback, with two triples in a row by Chris Dees to pull within four. The Lions would take the lead 25-23 with a made free throw by KJ Jones II. In the first half, the Lions shot 12-29 from the field and was a perfect 8-8 from the foul line. At the break, the two teams were knotted at 35-35. 
 
The second half started out much like the first, with both teams having an answer for the other. KJ Jones II helped the Lions pull away with a jumper to make it 49-44, Lions. Emmanuel would lead by as much as six points, before the Braves would mount a comeback and tie things up at the end of regulation, 73-73. 
 
In overtime, the teams went back and forth, with the Lions leading by as much as three points, before the Braves scored the final three points of the game to take the win, 82-81. 
 
KJ Jones II led all scorers with 31 points and 8 rebounds. Tavarus Webb and Chris Dees each contributed 18 points and three rebounds, with Webb leading the team in assists with 4. 
 
Next up, the Lions await to see if they will earn an at large bid in the NCAA Tournament. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.