FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team opened up conference play this afternoon hosting the Converse University Valkyries. The Valkyries jumped ahead early, taking a 47-37 lead into the break but the Lions responded well, shooting 61% in the second half to earn the 90-79 victory behind a 29-point afternoon by
Ezra McKee. With the win, the Lions improve to 1-3 on the season.
The teams traded points and the lead early in the 1
st.
Ezra McKee got things started for the Lions with 7 points to give the Lions a 12-9 advantage with 14:28 to play in the 1
st. The Valkyries responded well, retaking the lead and pushing it to 11 points, 34-23 with 8:28 to play before half.
Kolby Watson got into the scoring action with back-to-back buckets to cut the Valkyries lead to 39-31 with 5:10 to go, but Converse closed the half out strong to take a 47-37 lead into the break. In the half, the Lions were 16-31 from the field (52%).
After the break,
Ezra McKee kept up the strong play on the offensive end, with the Lions first five points, cutting the Converse lead to 51-42.
Andrija Vujacic got into the action, with a made three-pointer and a jumper to cut the Converse lead to one, 57-56 with 13:55 to play. A layup by Watson knotted things up at 58-58 with 12:34 to go and a dunk by
Devin Story gave the Lions the 60-58 lead. The Lions pulled ahead on key plays by
Massimo Moretti, Watson and Vujacic to lead by 9, 78-69 with 7:25 to play. The Lions would extend their lead to as much as 12 points late and would finish strong to earn a 90-79 victory. In the half, the Lions shot 61% from the field and 5-8 from beyond the arc.
Ezra McKee led the Lions in scoring with 29 points, with
Kolby Watson adding 20 points and 9 rebounds on the afternoon.
Andrija Vujacic added 13 points on the day, with
Massimo Moretti contributing 10.
Devin Story led the team with 7 assists and 4 steals.
Next up, the Lions will host Young Harris in the Roar War on Tuesday at 3PM. At the game, we will be collecting non-perishable food items for our local food pantry. Please consider bringing a few food items to donate in lieu of paying the gate fee!
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.