FERRUM, Va.- On a cold Saturday, EMU Women's Basketball took the trip south to take on ODAC rival Ferrum, seeking revenge for a home loss against the Panthers earlier this season. Sadly, the Royals went home to Harrisonburg empty-handed, falling 40-32 to Ferrum.

Offense was hard to come by for both teams, with EMU and Ferrum combining to shoot 25.8 percent (24-of-93) on the afternoon.

Grace Burke provided an offensive for EMU, scoring 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field. For Burke, it was her fourth straight game scoring in double figures. The sophomore from Stephens City, Va., has put up 10 or more points in 13 of EMU's 22 games this season. Jayla Gray was strong on the glass, grabbing 13 rebounds.

For the Panthers, Allyson Cassell led the way with 14 points, pulling down 10 rebounds to secure a double-double.

Records: EMU 10-12, 2-11 ODAC | Ferrum 13-9, 7-6 ODAC

Highlights
First Quarter
After Ferrum opened the scoring with a layup, Burke buried a jumper to tie the game at two at the 5:39 mark. Ferrum responded 25 seconds later with another layup to go up 4-2. The Panthers never trailed after that.
 
Second Quarter
Ferrum jumped to a 10-point lead with back-to-back layups. However, EMU had an answer with back-to-back three-pointers, one each from Burke and Lauren Townsend. Cassell sank three straight free throws for Ferrum, but then Townsend swished another three-pointer to draw EMU within four at halftime, 19-15.
 
Third Quarter
The two teams continued to go back-and-forth out of the locker room, with the Royals getting as close as four on multiple occasions. Burke nailed a jumper to make it 30-24 Ferrum after 30 minutes of play.
 
Fourth Quarter
Trailing 35-25 with 7:11 remaining, the Royals stage a rally, going on a 7-0 run over 2:11 of gameplay. A Burke three-pointer put EMU within a possession, narrowing the score to 35-32 with 4:32 remaining. However, that deep shot by Burke turned out to be EMU's final points of the game. Ferrum went on a 5-0 run over the final 3:14 of the contest to pull away for the win.

Statistical Leaders
Scoring: Burke (14)
Rebounds: Gray (13)
Assists: Townsend (3)
Steals: Jeriyah Osborne (2)
Blocks: Gray (2)
 
What's Next
The EMU Women's Basketball Royals will have a week to rest and prepare for their home showdown with Lynchburg on Saturday, Feb. 15. Tip-off from Yoder Arena is set for 2 p.m., and it will also be Senior Day for women's basketball.

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