HARRISONBURG, Va. – The tough slate continued for the Runnin Royals on Wednesday, as they welcomed #20 Virginia Wesleyan to Yoder Arena.

A tough first half saw EMU down by 12 at the break and the Marlins held on in the second half, picking up a 68-53 win over the Royals.

Records: EMU 4-11, 0-7 ODAC | Virginia Wesleyan 14-2, 5-2 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
VWU jumped out to a 4-1 lead before a bucket from Aviwe Mahlong cut the deficit to one. The teams traded baskets to Virginia Wesleyan leading 16-9. But a three from Nick Ondrus and another Mahlong basket pulled EMU within one. After a Marlin layup, Isaiah Carr drilled a three to tie things at 17. Once again, the teams traded points, with EMU answering each Marlin bucket until, with things tied at 22, VWU went on a 10-0 run to take a 32-22 lead. EMU was able to add points from Mahlong and Jalen Jones, but a pair of Marlin free throws gave them a 38-26 lead at the half.

Second Half
The Marlin lead was extended to 15 to start the second half before the Royals went on an 8-0 run, highlighted by threes from Carr and Ondrus and a pair of FTs from Mahlong, to pull within seven. But like the first half, anytime EMU tried to build some momentum, VWU had an answer. With 5:14, left, Virginia Wesleyan was able to extend their lead to 19 but the Royals kept fighting, picking up threes from Daijordan Brown and Carr. But 13 would be as close as EMU would get as VWU held on to pick up the win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Carr (14), Mahlong (13)
Rebounds: Ondrus (5), Mahlong and Jones (4)
Assists: Brown (4)

What's Next
The Royals will head south on Saturday, heading to take on the top-ranked Tigers of Hampden-Sydney. Tipoff starts at 2 pm.

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