Franklin Springs, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team hosted Southern Wesleyan tonight in conference action. The Lions got off to a quick start, taking a 40-27 lead into the half, and finished the game strong to earn a 84-72 win. With the win, the Lions improve to 13-7 on the season, 11-1 in conference play.
 
The Lions jumped out to a 16-2 lead in the first behind key plays from Tavarus Webb and Kendall Latney. The Warriors cut the Lions lead to 20-12 with 10:22 to play in the half, but Emmanuel responded well with back-to-back jumpers from Webb to make it 24-12. A 7-0 run by the Lions capped off by a layup from Latney made it 36-20 with 2:59 to play in the half.  In the first half, the Lions were 14-37 from the field (40.5%) and 5-14 from three-point range. At the break, the Lions led by 13, 40-27.
 
The second half was competitive, with the Warriors shooting 51% from the field. The Lions started out the half strong from three-point range, pushing their lead up to 17 on back-to-back threes by Chris Dees to make it 48-31. Elisee Ehuie got in on the action with two made threes to put the Lions up 56-35. In the 2^nd half, the Lions were 16-33 from the field (49%) and 7-17 from three-point range. A late run from the Warriors cut the Lions lead to 12 late, but the Lions finished strong to earn a 84-72 victory.
 
Four Lions ended the night in double figures scoring, with Kendall Latney leading the way with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Tavarus Webb ended the night with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a block, while Elisee Ehuie contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds. 
 
The Lions will be back in action on Saturday as they travel to Pembroke, NC to take on UNC Pembroke in a rematch of the 2024 Conference Championship game. 
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.