Box Score AUGUSTA, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team traveled to Augusta to face the Augusta University Jaguars in region play. The Jaguars got off to a hot start, shooting 67% in the first half to take a 62-41 lead at the break. Both teams shot over 50% from the field in the second half, but the Jaguars came away with the 110-99 victory. With the loss, the Lions fall to 0-3 on the early season. 

The two teams traded points and the lead to start off the first half. The Jaguars pulled away 20-9, but the Lions responded with key free throws by Massimo Moretti and a three-pointer by Brady Peery to cut the Jaguars lead to 27-16 with 12:43 to play in the half. The Jaguars shot 67% in the half, holding the Lions to 9-28 shooting (32.1%) Devin Story led the Lions with 13 points in the first half, with freshman, Brady Peery adding 9 points and freshman, Kolby Watson adding 8. The Lions were a perfect 21-21 from the foul line in the half and trailed the Jaguars 62-41 at the break. 

Following half, the Lions opened up the scoring with a three-pointer and a layup from Ezra McKee to cut into the Jaguars lead. Made free throws by Devin Story and McKee made it 62-49, Jaguars with 18:46 to go. The Jaguars responded to push their lead back up to 18, 69- 51 but the Lions rallied behind key plays by Story and Watson to make it 78-65, Jaguars with 12:17 to play. The Lions continued to chip away at the Jaguars lead, with a three-pointer by Story making it 81-70, Jaguars with 10:49 to play. Isaac Jones connected from beyond the arc to put the Lions within 9 with 10:12 to play, 84-73, but the Jaguars answered back to push their lead back up to 14, 94-80 with 7:35 to play. With 6:38 to play, Kolby Watson hit two free throws and followed that up with a layup to cut the Jaguars lead to 100-84. The Lions closed out the game strong to pull within 11 of the lead, falling to the Jaguars 110-99. The Lions shot 61% in the half (19-31), connecting on 10-18 from beyond the arc. 

Three Lions ended the night in double figures with Devin Story leading the way with a career high, 39 points. Kolby Watson ended the night with 17 points, while Brady Peery added 11. Story and Andrija Vujacic led the Lions with 5 rebounds apiece with Watson picking up 4 assists. 

The Lions will be back in action on Saturday as they host Converse University at 4PM in the Shaw Athletic Center. 

For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.