HAMPDEN SYDNEY, Va. - The Royals men's basketball team looked to stay unbeaten in the ODAC on Saturday, heading to Hampden-Sydney to take on the unbeaten Tigers. 

EMU played a strong second half of the game but was in too much of a hole after the first half, falling to HSC, 52-79. The loss moves EMU to 3-5, 1-1 ODAC while Hampden-Sydney improves to 6-0, 2-0 ODAC. 

Highlights

• After a Tiger three, Mark Burkholder got EMU on the board to start the game. HSC added five straight before Michael Watlington brought the Royals within four, 4-8. Unfortunately for EMU, Hampden-Sydney would outscore the Royals 35-12 for the rest of the half. 
• The two teams were scoreless for the first minute and a half of the second half before Aviwe Mahlong made a layup, cutting into the Tigers lead. A three from Mahlong and a Vincent Cousins layup sandwiched a Tiger bucket and brought the score to 23-47 for HSC. Mahlong and Watlington once again sandwiched an HSC basket. After a media timeout, Mahlong scored five of the games next seven points to cut the lead to 19. 
• The teams continued to trade points until the Royals went on an 8-0 run, highlighted by six from Tim Jones. EMU was able to more than double their first half score, scoring 36 in the second half to answer Hampden-Sydney's 36. 
• Jones led the way with 14 points to go along with eight assists. Mahlong added 13 and Landon Swingler had seven for EMU. Burkholder led the way on the glass, grabbing nine rebounds. 

What's Next

The Royals will have a week off before returning to action next Saturday. They'll travel to Mary Washington for a 3 pm matchup with the Eagles. 

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.