SALEM, Va. – The Royals took the court for the first time in 2023 on Wednesday, returning to ODAC play with a mid-week showdown at Roanoke.

EMU shot almost 50% from behind the arc and trailed by just one at the half. But the Maroons played a strong second half, picking up 41 points, as EMU fell 74-61.

Records: EMU 4-9, 0-5 ODAC | Roanoke 11-2, 4-0 ODAC

Highlights

First Half

EMU jumped out to a 3-0 lead with a three ball by Aviwe Mahlong. Another three from Julien Hagerman pushed the lead to 6-1 before Roanoke responded with a 10-0 run to take a five-point lead. The three kept EMU in the game as they didn't hit their first two-point bucket until the 12:36 mark. They grabbed a 14-13 lead on a CJ McCord three and added four more on layups from Myles McIntyre and Mahlong, for an 18-13 advantage. The teams would swap the lead throughout the rest of the half, with EMU leading by as much as four after an Andre Pacheco three. Another Hagerman triple gave the Royals a one-point lead late in the half, but Roanoke hit a layup with 27 seconds left to take a 33-32 lead into halftime.

Second Half

The teams traded points out of the break and Roanoke maintained a slim lead after Hagerman's third three of the night pulled EMU within two, 44-42. The Maroons then went on a 6-0 run to extend their lead. The Royals kept RC in their sights, keeping the lead to single digits, until 8:32 left to play when Roanoke pushed the lead to 10, 59-49. It seemed like everytime EMU hit a shot, Roanoke would answer, never allowing the Royals to climb back into the game. A pair of Mahlong free throws cut the Maroons lead to 11, but that was as close as EMU would get as Roanoke was able to close out the second half.

Statistical Leaders

Mahlong – 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists

Hagerman – 12 points, 4 rebounds

Pacheco – 9 points (career high), 4 assists

What's Next

EMU will be back in action, and in Yoder Arena for the first time this year, on Saturday when they take on Randolph College. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 pm.

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