ROCKY MOUNT, NC – The Runnin Royals kicked off the 2024-25 season on Saturday, taking on USA South favorite, NC Wesleyan, for day one of the Roger Taylor Invitational.

EMU saw some bright spots, with three players scoring in double figures, but the Battling Bishops shot almost 60% from the field en route to an 80-71 win.

Records: EMU 0-1, 0-0 ODAC | NC Wesleyan 1-0, 0-0 USA South

Highlights

First Half
It took some time for EMU's offense to get going in the first half, as NC Wesleyan jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Isaiah Carr drilled a three for the Royals first points of the game. The Battling Bishops answered with a 4-0 run and, later in the first half, kept a four-point lead at 13-9. EMU then hit back-to-back threes from Aviwe Mahlong and Payton Lewis, to pull ahead 15-13. However, NCW's offense came alive, going on a 15-6 run over a five-minute span, to take a seven point advantage. Zach Bailey ended the Bishops' run with a layup off an assist from Lewis. Mahlong hit a pair of free throws to pull EMU within five, but NC Wesleyan ended the half on a 6-4 run to take a 36-29 halftime lead.

Second Half
The Battling Bishops pushed their lead to 11 with four straight points to start the second half. A 6-2 Royals tilt pulled them within seven, as Lewis, Bailey and Carr each had two points. The teams traded buckets, before EMU was able to pull within five with an Aaron Brooks layup. But everytime EMU tried to mount a comeback, NC Wesleyan would hit a shot and extend their lead. With just under seven minutes left, NCW picked up their biggest lead of the game, 13, after a layup, but it was followed up by a Bailey three to pull EMU back within 10. Late in the half, Bailey would add another bucket to pull EMU back within seven, but the Battling Bishops answered each EMU basket with one of their own, ending the game on an 11-9 run to secure the win.

Statistical Leaders
Lewis: 17 points, 6 assists, 3 steals
Bailey: 13 points, 3 assists, 2 blocks
Carr: 11 points, 5 rebounds

What's Next
EMU will be back on the court on Sunday, as they take on Greensboro to end their time in North Carolina. Tipoff against the Pride is set for 1 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.