ASHLAND, Va. – The Royals started 2024 the same way they ended 2023: on the road.

This time it was for an ODAC contest as EMU headed south to take on #23 Randolph Macon. The Royals kept it close for the first 10 minutes of the game, but RMC finished the first half on a big run and pulled away for an 87-45 win.

Records: EMU 4-9, 0-5 ODAC | Randolph Macon 10-3, 3-1 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
After RMC hit a three to start the game, a layup from Jazen Walker gave EMU their first points of the game. Another layup, this time from Nick Ondrus, put the Royals ahead 4-3 and, after a Yellow Jacket basket, a bucket from Isaiah Carr put EMU ahead once again. The teams traded points to 12-12 before RMC went on an 8-0 run for a 20-12 lead. But back-to-back threes from Julien Hagerman and Kai Johnson pulled EMU within two, 20-18. Macon finished the half, however, on a 22-5 run, taking a 42-23 lead into the half.

Second Half
Daijordan Brown hit a three to start the second half for EMU but the Yellow Jackets responded with an 11-0 run, until Jameel Davis' three at the 13:33 mark stopped RMC's tilt. With Randolph Macon leading 76-36, EMU outscored the Yellow Jackets 6-5, with points from Brown, Hagerman, Carr and Walker. Marcos Pradales and Gabriel Campbell added jumpers for EMU to round out the second half scoring.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Hagerman (10), Walker (8)
Rebounds: Carr and Walker (5)
Assists: Seven with 1

What's Next
The schedule doesn't get any easier for the Royals, as they next take on #3 Guilford College on Saturday. Tipoff inside Yoder Arena is scheduled for 4:30 pm.

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