HARRISONBURG, Va. - If there was any sign of nerves playing in a big arena against a DI team, EMU showed no signs of it.

The Royals jumped out to a quick 12-4 lead and took a two point lead into the half but couldn't hold on as JMU picked up a 96-54 win.

Highlights

• EMU came out on fire and took a quick 6-0 lead on James Madison. Landon Swingler got the Royals on the board with a layup which was followed by an Aviwe Mahlong three and a Chris Simmons freethrow. JMU got on the board but EMU answered with a Swingler bucket, a Tim Jones layup and a Michael Watlington layup to take a 12-4 lead at the first media timeout.
• The Dukes went on an 18-0 run out of the timeout to take the lead but threes from Swingler and Julien Hagerman sandwiched a JMU dunk and pulled EMU within six, 18-24. The Dukes picked up seven of the next nine to pull ahead 31-20 but the Royals responded with an 11-0 run of their own, using baskets from Swingler, Vincent Cousins, and seven straight from Mizz Nyagwegwe to tie things at 31 at 1:56.
• In the final two minutes of the first half, Jones capitalized off a JMU turnover and turned it into points and they held the Dukes scoreless to take a 33-31 lead into the break.
• JMU opened the second half on an 11-0 tilt before a Cousins dunk stopped the EMU drought. JMU responded with eight straight, to pull ahead 50-35 and force an EMU timeout. Out of the timeout, the Dukes continued their strong second frame, going on a 22-3 run and pulling out to a 72-38 lead at the 8:06 mark.
• The final four minutes of the game saw the Royals empty their bench and get some guys playing time, as did the Dukes, with Jaden Walker tallying eight points down the stretch.  
• Offensively, EMU was led by Swingler's nine points and Cousins eight. Simmons grabbed six rebounds and Mahlong had five.

Words from Coach Felix

To play the way we did, I was really proud of our guys. The energy in the building was great, the atmosphere was great, so I think our guys fed off of that a little bit even though we just came off a game. It was a great first half...not so great second half for us though. 

What's Next

EMU will continue ODAC play on Saturday when they travel to Hampden-Sydney for a game against the Tigers. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 pm. 

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