HARRISONBURG, Va. - The EMU men's basketball team matched up against the Knights of Southern Virginia University on Saturday, for the Royals last game before the holidays.  

The Royals ended the first half on a big run to take a halftime lead, but SVU outscored EMU by 16 in the second half en route to an 85-71 win.

Records: EMU 3-8, 0-4 ODAC | SVU 6-3, 0-0 USA South

Highlights

First Half
Mark Burkholder was the catalyst of the Royals offense throughout the first half of the contest as he tallied 20 points in the first 20 minutes. EMU trailed by 13 points with 8:24 left in the half before picking it up on the offensive end. A strong finish from the Royals, especially Burkholder, Julien Hagerman and Andre Pacheco, sparked a 24-9 run that gave EMU a two point lead at the half, 41-39.   

Second Half
After a scorching hot finish to the first half for EMU, it was SVU that started out hot in the second half, kicking off with a 9-2 run. Later in the half, with SVU ahead 55-49, nine straight points from Aviwe Mahlong and a three from CJ McCord, gave the Royals a one-point lead. The teams traded points to 76-71 before the Knights went on a 9-0 run to end the game and pick up the win.  

Statistical Leaders

Burkholder – 27 points (career high), 5 rebounds, 4-5 3FG
Mahlong – 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists
Hagerman – 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 3PM

What's Next

EMU will have some time off for the holidays before returning to the court on Friday, Jan. 30. They'll travel to Staunton for a matchup against Mary Baldwin. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 pm.

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