Dahlonega, GA – The Emmanuel Lions Basketball team faced the Lander University Bearcats today in the semifinals of the NCAA DII Southeast Regional. The match up was as advertised, with 8 ties and 10 lead changes throughout the game. In the end, the Bearcats came out on top 86-78 in overtime to move onto the Sweet 16. The Lions finished the season 26-7.
 
The Bearcats jumped out to an early 8-2 lead in the first half, but the Lions would respond with a 13-0 run to take a 15-10 lead. The Lions were 10-21 from the field, and 2-6 from beyond the arc in the first.  Later in the half, the Lions led 21-20, but the Bearcats would go on a 10-0 run to make it 30-21. At the half, Lander led by 8, 34-26. 
 
In the second half, Lander would extend their lead to as much as 13 points early, but the Lions responded well. The Lions were 11-21 from the field and 6-8 from three, with four Lions connecting from beyond the arc. The Lions would fight back to tie the game late, 52-52. With 3:05 to play, the Lions took their first lead since 21-20, on a jumper by Chris Dees to make it 60-59. The teams traded points and the lead the rest of the way, with the score tied at 65-65 at the end of regulation.
 
In overtime, the Bearcats jumped out to a 13-point lead, 79-66, but the Lions roared back. Emmanuel would bring the game back within 5 points, with :26 seconds to play, but Lander would close the game out at the foul line and take the win, 86-78.
 
Four Lions finished the night in double figures. KJ Jones II led the team in scoring with 28 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals.  Chris Dees contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block while Tavarus Webb added 12 points, 8 rebounds 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Kendall Latney finished the game with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block. 
 
Congratulations, Lions on a fantastic season!