LYNCHBURG, Va. - The EMU men's basketball team opened up ODAC play on Sunday, taking on the University of Lynchburg. 

The Hornets used a big first half, outscoring the Royals by 21, to pick up a 100-74 win over EMU. 

Records: EMU 2-4, 0-1 ODAC | Lynchburg 3-2, 1-0 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
EMU took an early 3-2 lead after an Aviwe Mahlong layup and-one. After Lynchburg tied things at three, EMU took another lead on a Jalen Jones bucket, but the Hornets would respond with a 10-0 run before an Aaron Brooks jumper ended Lynchburg's run. Lynchburg would push their lead to 15 before back-to-back threes from Jameel Davis and Myles McIntyre pulled EMU to within nine, 29-20, at the six minute mark. Lynchburg then ended the half on an 18-6 run, taking a 47-26 lead into the break. 

Second Half
Out of the gate, the Hornets were able to extend their lead to 28 to start the second half, before EMU started to claw back in. Points from Daijordan Brown, Mahlong and Nick Ondrus cut the Royals deficit to 22. But everytime EMU seemed to make a run, Lynchburg answered, pushing their lead to 32 midway through the half, even getting ahead by as many as 36. But EMU put together a string of baskets from McIntyre, Isaiah Carr, Edixon Gomez Blanco and Gabriel Campbell, to cut the score to the 26-point final. 

Statistical Leaders
Points: Mahlong (11), McIntyre (9)
Rebounds: Mahlong (6)
Assists: Brooks (4)

What's Next
EMU will open up their 2023-24 home slate on Wednesday when they welcome in Washington and Lee to Yoder Arena. Tipoff against the Generals is scheduled for 7 pm. 

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