HARRISONBURG, Va. - For a second, it looked like we were heading for overtime.
With the game tied at 62, and three seconds on the clock, visiting Hampden-Sydney in-bounded in front of the Royals bench, and heaved up a shot at the buzzer that clanked off the backboard, seemingly sending the game to an extra five minutes. But a whistle from the refs sent Travis Stickney to the line for three shots, where he hit two, and helped Hampden-Sydney survive EMU, 64-62.
Records: EMU 2-6, 0-2 ODAC | Hampden-Sydney 5-2, 1-1 ODAC
Highlights
First Half
After the Tigers hit the first three of the game, EMU went on an 11-0 tear, highlighted by five points from
Isaiah Carr, four from
Jazen Walker and two from
Aaron Brooks, to take an 11-3 lead. After another HSC three, EMU went on another run, this time 9-3, to take a 20-9 advantage with just over 12 minutes left in the half. They would continue to lead by 10 midway through the frame, before Hampden-Sydney clawed back within one, scoring 11 of the next 13 points.
Donovan Arnason drilled a three to keep EMU ahead, and the Royals outscored HSC 11-9 to take a 34-31 lead into the break.
Second Half
A
Zach Bailey three extended EMU's lead to six to start the second half, but the Tigers would continue to fight, pulling within one with 15:51 left to play. The Royals would maintain a lead to 8:07 when the culmination of an 8-1 HSC run gave the Tigers a 51-50 lead. EMU answered right back with a pair of free throws and baskets from Walker and Brooks, to lead 56-52 with just over four minutes left. Once again, EMU showed resilience, matching Hampden-Sydney basket for basket, and taking a two point lead after a Bailey free throw with 17 seconds left. A Tiger driving layup tied things at 62, before a Royals turnover set up Sydney's game winning shot attempt and subsequent free throws.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Brooks (19), Carr (14), Arnason and Walker (11)
Rebounds: Walker (5)
Assists: Walker (3)
Steals: Brooks (7)
What's Next
EMU will be off for finals and will return to action on Monday, Dec. 15 when they travel to Pennsylvania to take on Lancaster Bible. Tipoff against the Chargers is set for 3:30 pm.
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