HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Royals returned to Yoder Arena on Wednesday for the first time in 2026, taking on the University of Lynchburg.

The Hornets offense shot a blistering 52% from the field, while their defense held the Royals to 32%, en route to a 95-59 win.

Records: EMU 3-9, 0-3 ODAC | Lynchburg 8-5, 3-1 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
Lynchburg jumped out to a 6-0 lead, before EMU hit their first basket at the 15:47 mark: a three from Edixon Blanco, to put the Royals on the board. The Hornets then went on a 17-5 run over the next five minutes, taking a 23-8 lead with just over 10 minutes left in the half. After a driving layup from Aaron Brooks pulled the Royals within 13, Lynchburg pushed their lead to 16 with a 10-7 tilt. Blanco drilled another three, before Lynchburg ended the half on a 12-8 run, taking a 45-28 lead into the break.

Second Half
Hezekiah Brown led off the second half with a bucket, but the Hornets responded, scoring 18 of the next 23 points to take a 63-35 advantage. Two Zach Bailey free throws and a Brown layup sandwiched a Lynchburg three, and Brown hit another layup with just over 10 minutes left. The Hornets offense continued to shoot well from the field over the final 10 minutes, but EMU was able score as well, dropping in 18 points, including five from Zach Perry, four apiece from Jazen Walker and Blanco and three from Mari Foxx, to wrap up EMU's scoring.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Brooks and Blanco (10)
Rebounds: Walker (6)
Assists: Foxx (3)
Steals: Brown (2)

What's Next
The Royals are back in action on Saturday, when they head to Lynchburg to take on the WildCats of Randolph College. Tipoff is set for 2:00 pm.

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