HARRISONBURG, Va. - For the majority of the first half and about 50% of the second half, it looked like EMU was on its way to a 2-0 start.
But a 9-2 Southern Virginia run in the final 2:22 spoiled the Royals home opener, as the Knights picked up a 69-63 win.
Records: EMU 1-1, 0-0 ODAC | Southern Virginia 1-0, 0-0 USA South
Highlights
First Half
SVU pulled out to an early 4-0 lead, but EMU pulled ahead with a 7-0 run, with three points from
Isaiah Carr and two apiece from
Jazen Walker and
Aaron Brooks. The teams traded points to 11-11 before EMU went on an 18-10 run behind six points from Carr and three each from
Ben Johnson and
Tiberius Fields, for a 29-21 lead. SVU was able to get within four at the 4:36 mark, but the Royals finished the half with Walker scoring six of the game's next eight points, to send EMU to the locker room ahead 35-27.
Second Half
Over the first five minutes of the second half, EMU extended their lead to 12 with an 11-7 run, as Brooks dropped seven points and Walker added four more. SVU's offense would come alive, going on a 15-2 run over the next four minutes and taking a one-point lead. The teams would trade buckets and things would be tied at 54 with just over eight minutes left. EMU scored six straight points after a dunk from T. Fields and back-to-back layups from Brooks and
Latham Fields, giving EMU all the momentum. But the Knights kept fighting, tying things once again, this time at 60. A free throw from L. Fields put the Royals ahead 61-60 with 2:59 left, but SVU would pull ahead and hang on after its swing in the final 2:22.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Walker (18), Brooks (17)
Rebounds:
Luke Chilton (5)
Assists: Chilton and Carr (3)
Steals: Brooks (5)
What's Next
EMU will head to Bridgewater on Saturday for Day 1 of the Carlyle Whitelow Classic. They'll take on Mid-Atlantic Christian, with an 8:00 pm tipoff.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU men's basketball, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
