FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team hosted Young Harris today in conference action. The Lions got off to a hot start, shooting 50% from three-point range in the first half to take a 27-24 lead heading into half. The Lions led until midway through the 2^nd, but an offensive surge by the Mountain Lions put Young Harris ahead and the Mountain Lions came away with a 67-55 victory. With the loss, the Lions fall to 1-4 on the season, 1-1 in conference action. 

The teams traded points early, with the Lions taking a 5-2 lead on baskets by Devin Story and Micah Roebuck. Key plays by Ezra McKee, Isaac Jones and Andrija Vujacic pushed the Lions lead to 15-6 with 11:30 to play in the first. The Mountain Lions responded well, pulling within a point of the lead, 19-18 with 6:25 to play but a 3-pointer by Brady Peery and a fast break layup by Story pushed the Lions lead back up to 6, 24-18. The two teams traded points to close out the half with the Lions leading 27-24 at the break. In the half, the Lions shot 39% from the field and 6-12 (50%) from three-point range. 

In the second half, the Lions quickly pushed their lead back up to 8 on plays by Peery and McKee. The Mountain Lions responded well, cutting the lead to two points on free-throws with 13:24 to play. With 9:27 to play, the Mountain Lions took their first lead of the half, 46-45 and quickly pushed their lead to 7 points, 55-48 with 6:09 to play. A three-pointer by Isaac Jones cut the Young Harris lead to 4, but the Mountain Lions pulled back ahead close out the game with a 12-point victory, 67-55. In the half, the Lions shot 42% (11-26). 

Three Lions ended the night in double figures scoring with Ezra McKee leading the way with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Brady Peery and Andrija Vujacic each added 11 points, while Isaac Jones contributed 4 assists. 

Next up, the Lions will travel to Palm Beach, FL to face Palm Beach Atlantic University on Friday at 2PM. 

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