DANVILLE, Va. – The last time these two teams met, just a couple weeks ago, EMU for much of the game before a late Averett rally pushed them to a win. The Royals made sure that didn't happen again.

Trailing by two with just over eight minutes left, Mark Burkholder drilled a three, giving EMU a lead they wouldn't relinquish as they picked up a 54-51 win.

Records: 6-17, 2-12 ODAC | Averett 9-15, 5-10 ODAC

Highlights

First Half

After AU jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, Julien Hagerman's three put the Royals on top 3-2. The teams continued to swap the lead until Averett was able to get a little cushion and stay on top until the 11:50 mark. Aviwe Mahlong and  CJ McCord sandwiched a Cougar bucket, giving the Royals a 13-12 lead. AU would re-take the lead and push it to four before back-to-back threes from Hagerman and Jameel Davis put EMU ahead by two. The Royals would hold onto the lead and, after four Michael Watlington freethrows, would take a 29-24 lead into the half.

Second Half

Averett would open the half on a 14-4 run, taking a 38-33 lead. Six straight from the Royals, highlighted by a Watlington dunk put them back on top by one with 11:29 remaining. An Averett three pushed them back ahead, but only for a few seconds before Burkholder's big three. EMU was able to push their lead to as many as five and AU cut their deficit to as little as one, but a pair of freethrows from Daijordan Brown in the final seconds, secured the win for EMU as Averett missed a three at the buzzer.

Statistical Leaders

Watlington – 14 points, 7 rebounds

Mahlong – 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists

McCord – 8 points, 2 assists

What's Next

EMU will wrap up its road slate on Wednesday when they head to Virginia Wesleyan. Tipoff against the Marlins is scheduled for 7:30 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.