DANVILLE, Va.- The EMU Women's Basketball team made the approximately three-hour trek from Harrisonburg to Danville on Saturday to do battle with Averett University.
The Royals finally got the ODAC monkey off of their back, taking the lead for good late in the first quarter on the way to a 71-53 victory, their first ODAC triumph of the season.

Grace Burke had a game to remember, scoring 17 points and pulling down 10 rebounds for her first career double-double. Jayda Jones made her presence felt as well, tying her career high with 15 points. Not to be overlooked, Lauren Townsend added 12 points while Laila Glymph contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.

For Averett, DaiShaundria Giggetts led all scorers with 22 points on 7-of-19 shooting from the field. However, no other Cougar player scored more than seven points.

Records: EMU 9-11, 1-10 ODAC | Averett 3-17, 1-10 ODAC

Highlights
First Quarter
It was the host Cougars that got off to a quick start, opening on a 9-3 run over the first 2:48 of game play. Townsend stopped the rally with a three-point to get the Royals within three at 9-6. Averett built their lead back up to five, but EMU answered with a 12-2 run over the final four minutes of the quarter. Jones chipped in five of those points, while Townsend, Burke, and Jakayla Johnson also contributed to the really as the Royals took a 20-15 lead into the second quarter.
 
Second Quarter
The Royals asserted their will in the second quarter of play. Averett got within two following an Emma Jones three-pointer at the 4:48 mark, but then EMU closed the first half with 12 unanswered points. Grace Burke began the rally with a three-pointer with 3:56 left in the second, followed by another three-ball by Townsend. Glymph and Townsend then combined for six straight free throws to give EMU a 36-22 lead at the break.
 
Third Quarter
EMU picked up where it left off in the third quarter, scoring the first five points of the second half. Jeriyah Osborne had a good third quarter, scoring all seven of her points in that period. Averett briefly threatened with a 7-0 run over just 53 seconds of game action, but the Royals answered with a 5-0 run of their own. EMU took a 54-39 lead through 30 minutes.
 
Fourth Quarter
Burke nailed three three-pointers in the final period, with Jones drilling a deep ball as well to help seal the win for the Royals. Kaliyah Braxton put the cherry on top of EMU's excellent outing with a layup with 1:17 remaining.

Statistical Leaders
Scoring: Burke (17)
Rebounds: Burke (10)
Assists: Burke (5)
Steals: Burke (3)
Blocks: Glymph (1), Gray (1)
 
What's Next
EMU Women's Basketball will look to continue their good form when they host Virginia Wesleyan on Wednesday, Feb. 5 for their Rowdy Royals game. Tip-off in Yoder Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.  

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