FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Basketball team hosted Ferrum College this afternoon in conference play. The Panthers jumped out to an early lead, controlling the pace of the game for much of the first half. The Lions closed out the game strong, outscoring the Panthers 48-45 in the second half, but the Panthers came away with an 89-75 victory. With the loss, the Lions fall to 7-10 on the season, 4-5 in conference play.

The Panther jumped out to an early lead, starting off the game on an 18-4 run in the first five minutes of play. The Lions answered with five straight points by Sam Thacker to make it 20-9, Panthers with 13:15 to go in the first. Five points by Andrija Vujacic pulled the Lions within 12 points of the lead with 4:56 to play in the half, 36-24. However. Ferrum exploded for 44 points in the first half to take a 44-27 lead into the half. 

The Panthers pushed their lead to 28 early in the second half, but a 7-0 run by the Lions would cut the Ferrum lead to 19 with 9:21 to play, 62-43. The Panthers held onto the 20 point late until late in the half. With 4:12 to play, back-to-back three-pointers from Sam Thacker followed by a dunk from Ezra McKee cut the Panthers lead to 13, 77-64. A layup and foul shot from Devin Story put the Lions within 10 points of the lead with 2:04 to play, but the Panthers pushed their lead back up at 15 with 48 seconds to go, holding onto win 89-75.

Devin Story led the way with 19 points on the afternoon, adding 6 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Ezra McKee added a double-double, with 16 points and 12 rebounds and 3 steals, while Sam Thacker contributed 13 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds.  Andrija Vucacic picked up 13 points on the afternoon.

Next up, the Lions will travel to Young Harris, GA to take on the Young Harris College Mountain Lions in conference action on Tuesday at 7PM. 

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