DANVILLE, Va.- The EMU Women's Basketball team look to build on their momentum from a road win over Guilford in their second game in as many days at Averett. However, the Royals could not overcome a 17-point halftime deficit in an 87-71 defeat.

Kayla Surles carried the day for the Royals once again, scoring 24 points and shooting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc as well as 12-of-14 from the free throw line. Three different Averett players scored in double figures in their winning effort, led by Elisa Harris with 14 points.

Records: EMU 4-5, 1-2 ODAC | Averett 2-8, 1-3 ODAC

Highlights
First Quarter
The Cougars got the jump on the Royals out of the gate with a 14-5 scoring run over the first four minutes of the contest, including three three-pointers. EMU bounced back briefly with a 5-0 run on two Mya Hamlet free throws and a Surles three-pointer. Averett countered by closing the opening quarter on a 9-4 run to take a 23-14 lead after the opening stanza.

Second Quarter
The second quarter featured more of the same, with the Royals unable to stop the Cougars' offense. All told, Averett scored 28 points in the second quarter to go up 51-34 at halftime. The 51 points is the most allowed by EMU in a single half this season.

Third Quarter
The Royals staged a bit of a rally in the third quarter, outscoring the Cougars 26-17 across that period. Out of the locker room, EMU went on a 11-4 scoring run over the first five minutes of the third quarter, starting with a three-pointer by Caris Lucas and continuing with Jayda Jones free throws and layups from Jeriyah Osborne, Hamlet, and Trinity Washington. Two free throws by Washington with two seconds left drew EMU within eight at 68-60 to start the fourth.

Fourth Quarter
EMU was unable to find one last scoring burst to complete the comeback, and Averett pulled away late for the win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Surles (24)
Rebounds: Hamlet (7)
Assists: Hamlet, Washington (2)
Steals: Hamlet, Brii Redfearn (2)
Blocks: Jayla Gray (2)

What's Next
EMU will have their work cut out for them on Wednesday, Dec. 6, when they host nationally-ranked Washington & Lee at Yoder Arena. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the men's game against Randolph at 5 p.m.

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