HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Royals wrapped up their non-conference slate on Wednesday, welcoming in the Eagles of Mary Washington to Yoder Arena.

It was a tightly contested first half, but the Eagles were able to pull away late and hang on as they picked up the road win, 89-71, over EMU.

Records: EMU 5-12, 1-7 ODAC | Mary Washington 12-4, 0-0 C2C

Highlights

First Half

After UMW got on the board with a three, Mark Burkholder drilled his first triple of the night, which was followed up by Julien Hagerman's three, to give EMU a 6-3 lead. The Eagles pushed their lead to six, 18-12, before threes from Aviwe Mahlong and Andre Pacheco sandwiched a Mary Washington jumper, cutting the lead to 20-18. Pacheco followed that up with another three, putting the Royals on top by one. EMU took a four-point lead, 26-22, before UMW went on a 10-0 run to go up 32-26. A Mahlong three ended the Eagles tilt but that was answered by another Mary Washington three, keeping the lead at six. An 8-0 Eagles run pushed the lead to 14 but EMU was able to chip away and trail by 10, 46-36, at the half.

Second Half

UMW started the second half on another 8-0 run, pushing their lead to 18. Back-to-back baskets from Hagerman and Mahlong cut it to 13 but Mary Washington would continue to hold a double-digit lead midway through the second. With 12:02 remaining, points from Hagerman, Burkholder and Mahlong sent EMU on their own 8-0 run, to cut the Eagles lead to nine. After trading points, a Burkholder three pulled the Royals within eight, 70-62, but that was as close as EMU would get as the Eagles scored some tough points down the stretch to pick up the win.

Statistical Leaders

Burkholder – 19 points, 8 rebounds

Pacheco – 12 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds

Hagerman – 11 points

Mahlong – 10 points, 3 assists

What's Next

EMU will continue ODAC play on Wednesday when they take on Averett inside Yoder Arena in the Coaches vs Cancer Suits and Sneakers game. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 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