ARLINGTON, Va. - The EMU men's basketball team worked off their turkey and stuffing on Sunday, heading to Arlington for a holiday matchup with Marymount. 

The Royals trailed by just two at the half, and even held a lead with 10 minutes to go, but the Saints ended the game on a 24-11 run to pick up the 67-55 win over EMU. 

Highlights

• The teams stayed tied through the first five minutes of the game, with EMU using baskets from Tim Jones, Aviwe Mahlong and Mark Burkholder to knot things at seven apiece. Marymount then took a four point lead midway through the half before Jameel Davis added a pair of free throws to pull Eastern Mennonite within two. A Saint free throw pushed the lead to three but Chris Simmons tied the game with a basket and one. 
• MU went on a 7-0 run, forcing an EMU timeout. Out of the break, the Royals scored seven straight themselves to tie things again before a Marymount layup gave MU the lead back. MU was once again able to extend their lead to seven, 21-28, but EMU ended the half on a 5-0 run with points from Kobi Alexander and Mizz Nyagwegwe to trail by just two at the half. 
• In the second half, the Saints were able to stretch their lead to nine at the 16:36 mark but EMU answered right back with two Simmons layups and a basket from DaiJordan Brown to pull within three, 36-39. A MU bucket took it back to five but Simmons hit a pair of freethrows followed by a Burkholder layup and one to tie the game. Brown then gave EMU the lead with a three, putting the Royals on top 44-41. The teams traded points, with Mahlong hitting a jumper to keep EMU ahead by one with 10:12 to play. 
•  With 9:59 left in the game, and EMU up by one, the Saints went on a 12-2 run over the next five minutes to pull back ahead, 56-48. A Mahlong three brought EMU within five but that was as close as they'd get as Marymount held on for the win. 
• Burkholder led all EMU scorers, picking up his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Simmons added nine points and nine rebounds, falling just short of his first double-double of the season. Jones and Mahlong added eight apiece. 

Words from Coach Felix

Our defense was solid today and we rebounded very well. Offensively, we had some great looks that didn't go our way, and we need to do a better job of taking care of the basketball.  

What's Next

The Royals will open ODAC play on Wednesday when they welcome Shenandoah to Yoder Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 pm and it is the men's basketball team's Rowdy Royals night. 

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the men's basketball program this year follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.