BRIDGEWATER, Va. - EMU took the short trip down 42 on Wednesday, squaring off with rival Bridgewater in the Poultry Road Rivalry. 

The Royals held a first half lead but a second half surge from the Eagles gave Bridgewater a 73-63 win over EMU. The loss dropped EMU to 5-9, 3-4 ODAC. 

Highlights

• A Tim Jones layup gave EMU a quick 2-0 lead before the two teams traded points for the next six minutes. A three from Mizz Nyagwegwe and layups from Aviwe Mahlong, Chris Simmons and DaiJordan Brown gave the Royals a seven point lead.
• Bridgewater hit back-to-back threes to cut the lead to one but Jones and Mark Burkholder hit three freethrows to extend the lead back to four, 21-17. After more freethrows from the Royals, Bridgewater was able to tie the game at 25 and and take a two-point lead. But Landon Swingler answered, tying things at 27. The Eagles, however, ended the final 3:22 on a 7-2 run and took a 34-29 lead into the break. 
• The lead was pushed to six to start the frame before a Jones layup and a Mahlong jumper cut the deficit to two. The Eagles sandwiched a Jones bucket with four points of their own until jumpshots from Swingler and Mahlong tied the game at 39 at the 15:13 mark. 
• A layup put BC back on top but Jones answered with a three, giving EMU its first lead of the half. Once again, the two teams traded the lead, continuing to tie the game for the next four minutes. With the game tied at 46, Bridgewater went on a 9-0 run to take a lead they wouldn't give up. With 3:40 left, Swingler was able to pull EMU within five but an Eagle three was a dagger, pushing the lead back to eight. The Royals scored four of the last six points but BC was able to pick up the ODAC win. 
• Jones led the Royals with 20 points, while Mahlong added 13 and Nywgwegwe chipped in 11. Burkholder, Jones and Swingler had five rebounds apiece. 

What's Next

EMU will look to end its three-game skid when they head to Lynchburg on Saturday for a date with the Hornets. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 pm. 

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