FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Runnin Royals opened their 2025-26 season on Saturday, heading to Fredericksburg to take on #15 Mary Washington.
The Eagles held an eight-point lead at the half, which turned out to be the difference as both teams had 33 in the second half, as UMW knocked off the Royals 72-64.
Records: EMU 0-1, 0-0 ODAC | Mary Washington 2-0, 0-0 C2C
Highlights
First Half
The Eagles jumped out to a 5-0 lead before
Aaron Brooks drilled a three and
Hezekiah Brown had a layup to tie the game early on. Later in the quarter, the Royals went on a 4-0 run, with two free throws from Brooks and a layup from
BJ Nkrumah, to take a 9-6 lead. EMU continued to lead until just under 13 minutes left in the half, when UMW went on a 16-5 run over a four-minute span, taking a 24-16 lead. Brooks and Brown layups pulled EMU within four, and the teams continued to exchange baskets to 32-24, Eagles. Over the final 2:26, Mary Washington outscored the Royals 7-3, taking a 39-31 lead into the break.
Second Half
The Eagles extended their lead with a 4-0 run to start the second half, before a layup from
Isaiah Carr got EMU on the board to start the half. Anytime EMU started to chip away at the Eagles lead, UMW would respond with a basket. They were able to push their lead to as many as 18, with 6:54 left, but a layup from Brown, a jumper from Carr, a three from
Zach Bailey and four straight points from Brooks, pulled EMU within seven, 63-56, at the 4:25 mark. Later in the frame, a three from Brooks would pull the Royals within six, but that would be the final points EMU would score in the final two minutes, as the Eagles hit two free throws late, to secure the win.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Brooks (18), Carr (16)
Rebounds: Carr (6), Nkrumah (5)
Assists: Brooks (4),
Jazen Walker (3)
Steals: Brooks (3)
What's Next
EMU will be back in action on Wednesday, when they open up their home slate against Mary Baldwin. Tipoff against the Fighting Squirrels is set for 7:00 pm.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU men's basketball, follow EMU on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website
