HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. – The Runnin Royals wrapped up the 2024-25 season on Saturday, taking on the #8 Tigers of Hampden-Sydney.

The Royals played the Tigers close in the first half, trailing by just four at the break. But Hampden-Sydney outscored the Royals 51-38 in the second half, en route to a 95-78 win.  

Records: EMU 5-20, 2-14 ODAC | Hampden-Sydney 21-4, 14-2 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
EMU got out to a 2-0 lead with an Aviwe Mahlong layup, but Hampden-Sydney answered with a 7-2 run to take a five point lead. The Royals then went on a 12-1 tilt, picking up five points from Payton Lewis and four from Zach Bailey, taking a 16-12 lead. Later in the half, after a Kaleb Torrence put EMU ahead 26-22, HSC pulled back out in front with an 11-0 run, taking a 33-26 advantage. The teams would trade points, and EMU would outscore the Tigers 14-11 over the final four and a half minutes, with Torrence adding five and Aaron Brooks dropping in three, as Hampden-Sydney took a 44-40 lead into the break.

Second Half
HSC started the second half on an 8-3 run before a Brooks basket stopped the Tigers tilt and pulling EMU within seven. Hampden-Sydney responded with a 12-2 run, extending their lead to 64-47. Lewis drilled a three to cut EMU's deficit to 13, but back to back HSC shots pushed their lead back to 17. Midway through the half, with Hampden-Sydney leading by 15, the Royals went on a 6-2 run, with Brooks chipping in four and Bailey adding a pair of free throws, to trail by 11 with 6:23 to play. An 8-0 HSC run gave them an 18 point lead before a pair of free throws from Mahlong and a Lewis layup, but it wasn't enough, as HSC secured the home win.

Statistical Leaders
Lewis: 15 points, 1 steal
Isaiah Carr: 12 points, 5 rebounds
Brooks, Bailey: 13 and 12 points

What's Next
This wraps up the 2024-25 season for the Royals, as they graduate three players but will return a wealth of depth for next year.

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