CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - A three from Julien Hagerman at the 17:24 mark of the first half, gave EMU its first lead of the game. And they'd never look back as they kept the lead, extending it to as many as 23 in the second half, and wrapping up 2023 with a 71-60 win over Wilson College. 

Records: EMU 4-8, 0-4 ODAC | Wilson College 5-7, 3-1 United East

Highlights

First Half
Wilson got the scoring started first, but a jumper from Jazen Walker and back-to-back threes from Hagerman, gave EMU an 8-2 lead. EMU later went on a 6-0 run with an and-one from Nick Ondrus and a three from Jameel Davis to push their lead to nine. Midway through the half, Wilson cut their deficit to two, 16-14, but the Royals responded with an 11-0 run, highlighted by four points each from Ondrus and Walker and a three from Aviwe Mahlong. The Phoenix were able to cut it to single digits, but EMU led by 13 at the break 39-26, after a pair of free throws from Mahlong and a bucket from Walker. 

Second Half
Hagerman started the second half like he started the first, drilling a three to push EMU's lead to 16. Later, another bucket from Hagerman and a free throw from Jalen Jones gave the Royals a 20 point lead, their largest of the game. After WC had cut the lead to 18, five straight points from Edixon Gomez Blanco extended it to 23. Wilson was able to claw away late, and pull within seven, but Gomez Blanco answered with a three to put the game on ice. EMU nailed five shots from the charity stripe in the final two minutes to put the game away. 

Statistical Leaders
Points: Walker (16), Ondrus (14), Mahlong (13), Hagerman (11)
Rebounds: Walker (11), Ondrus (8)
Assists: Ondrus and Hagerman (3)

What's Next
The Royals will open 2024 on the road, as they head to Ashland on Wednesday to take on Randolph-Macon. Tipoff is set for 7 pm. 

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