HARRISONBURG, Va. - It was one of those games where you just knew things were going to come down to the last possession. 

A Virginia Wesleyan freethrow under five minutes proved to be the difference as the visiting Marlins picked up a 72-70 win over EMU, snapping their three-game streak. The Royals now stand at 8-11, 6-6 ODAC. 

Highlights

• Tim Jones got things started for EMU with a layup and a three, answering VWU's first five points. Mark Burkholder and Aviwe Mahlong added five more and gave EMU an early 10-5 lead. The Royals were able to keep the lead for most of the first half as both teams played well defensively. A Jones layup and a Mizz Nyagwegwe three built the EMU lead to eight but the Marlins sandwiched a Chris Simmons jumper with a three threes to cut the lead to one.  
• he two teams traded buckets as the half weaned down with a Mahlong layup gave the Royals a 25-22 lead at the 4:40 mark. Virginia Wesleyan would hit a layup to pull within one and then, in the final seconds of the half, would hit a three to take a 27-25 lead into the break. 
• Out of halftime, a Marlin layup extended the layup to four. But Landwon Swingler answered with a three, cutting the Marlin lead to 29-28. The teams would continue trading points until, with VWU leading by three, a Swingler layup and a Jones freethrow tied things at 43. 
• Each team continued throwing haymakers, answering each others shots until a Mahlong freethrow tied things at 61 with seven minutes to play. Both teams would remain scoreless for the next three-and-a-half minutes before Wesleyan's freethrow gave the Marlins the lead for good. EMU was able to pull within one late, but couldn't get a good look at a shot in the final seconds. 
• Jones led the way with a game-high 23 points to go along with seven assists and five rebounds. Swingler added 14 and Mahlong chipped in 12. Burkholder was strong on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds. 

What's Next

These two teams will square off again on Wednesday as EMU travels to the beach. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 pm. 

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