Pembroke, NC – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team traveled to Pembroke, NC today to take on the UNC Pembroke Braves in conference action. The Braves got off to a hot start, taking a 38-25 lead into the half, but the Lions responded well with a strong second half of play. Although the Lions got within 7 points of the lead late, the Braves held on to win 92-81. With the loss, the Lions fall to 13-8 on the season, 11-2 in conference play.
The Braves jumped out to an early 11-4 lead, but the Lions responded well with key plays by
Kendall Latney and
Tavarus Webb to make it 11-8. Midway through the half, the Braves pushed their lead up to double digits, 24-13. The Braves would lead by as much as 18 in the half, but the Lions responded well defensively to hold the Braves scoreless for the final three minutes of play. In the half, the Lions shot 29% from the field, connecting on 10-18 free throws. At the break, the Braves led 38-25.
After the half,
Kendall Latney scored a few quick buckets to get the Lions back within nine points of the lead, 43-34. A few made three-pointers by the Braves pushed their lead back up to 58-44 with 12:52 to play, but the Lions responded well with a three pointer by
Chris Dees and made free throws by Webb to bring the score to 64-50, Braves. With a minute left to play, a three by Dees got the Lions back within 10 points of the lead, 85-75. The Lions shot 58% from the field in the second half and connected on six three pointers and 12-17 from the foul line. Although the Lions made a late run, the Braves held on to win 92-81.
Three Lions ended the night in double figures with
Tavarus Webb leading the way with 25 points.
Kendall Latney contributed 22 points on the afternoon while
Chris Dees added 11.
John Kenoye led the team in rebounds with 6, with Webb leading the team in assists with 4. Webb, Dees and Latney each had 2 steals in the game, while Webb added a block.
Next up, the Lions will head to Young Harris to take on the Mountain Lions in conference action on Wednesday at 7PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.
