TIGERVILLE, SC – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team traveled to Tigerville, SC today to take on North Greenville University in conference play. The Trailblazers jumped out to a quick start in the first half, but the Lions responded well to trail by only 2, 35-33 at the break. Following the break, the Trailblazers expanded their lead early, but the Lions rallied to take the lead with eight minutes to play. The Trailblazers answered, getting hot late on the offensive end to outscore the Lions 18-4 in the final four minutes of play to earn the 78-64 win. With the loss, the Lions fall to 2-7 on the season, 2-2 in conference play.
North Greenville jumped out to a 12-2 lead early in the first half, but the Lions answered quickly with points by
Devin Story, Rett Vandemark and
Ezra McKee to tie things at 12-12 with 10:04 to play in the half. A three-pointer by
Sam Thacker gave the Lions their first lead of the game, 15-12 and the Lions pushed their lead to 19-15 on free throws by Andrija Vucjacic. The Trailblazers responded well, taking the lead with 3:03 to play in the first, 28-26. The teams traded points and the lead the rest of the way, with the Trailblazers taking a 2-point leading to the half, 35-33. In the first, the Lions shot 42% from the field, 4-4 from the foul line.
North Greenville started the second half strong, pushing their lead to 9 with 15:46 to play, 47-38. The Lions rallied behind
Sam Thacker who got hot from three-point range, taking the lead with 8:01 to play, 56-55. A layup by Vujacic pushed the Lions lead to 3, 60-57 with 6:03 to go, but North Greenville had an answer tying it up quickly at the foul line and retaking the lead, 62-60 with 4:09 to play. The Trailblazers outscored the Lions 16-4 in the final four minutes of the game to earn the 78-64 victory.
Three Lions ended the night in double figures with
Devin Story leading the way with 18 points, 5 assists and 4 steals.
Sam Thacker added 15 points and 3 assists on the night, while
Ezra McKee added 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
Next up, the Lions will host Chowan University on December 13 at 4PM.
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.
