HARRISONBURG, Va. - The Royals opened the Tori Jankoska era on Friday night, welcoming in Hood College to Yoder Arena.
Behind a 23-point performance from
Jeriyah Osborne, and a double-double from transfer
Anna Smith, the Royals led from start to finish in a 71-43 win over the Blazers.
Records: EMU 1-0, 0-0 ODAC | Hood 0-1, 0-0 MAC
Highlights
First Quarter
Smith got the Royals on the board first, followed by a three from
Lauren Townsend, giving EMU a 5-0 lead early. Hood would cut their deficit to two, before EMU ended the quarter on a 10-3 run, with Osborne and Smith picking up four points apiece, and giving the Royals a 15-6 lead after one.
Second Quarter
The Royals opened the frame with a 9-0 run, as Osborne added four more to her total and
Grace Burke picked up three. After a Blazers three cut EMU's lead to 15, the Royals would cruise for the rest of the half, leading by as many as 19, and using a layup from Burke to double up Hood and put EMU ahead 36-18 at the break.
Third Quarter
Once again, EMU came out firing to start the third, using an 8-0 advantage to extend their lead to 44-18 less than two minutes into the third. After another Blazer three, EMU pushed their lead to 30 with buckets from Osborne and
Kaylene Todd. EMU kept their foot on the gas and kept the 26-28 point lead for the rest of the quarter, leading 57-31 after three.
Fourth Quarter
The Blazers were able to cut their deficit to 23 to start the final frame before an 11-2 run gave the Royals a 32-point advantage, after a pair of free throws from
Emma Johnson. Hood was able to cut the Royals lead to 28 with a 4-0 run late, but it wasn't enough as EMU picked up the win.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Osborne (23 - career high), Smith (13), Townsend (9)
Rebounds: Smith (14), Todd and
Jazmyn Taylor (8)
Assists: Burke and Osborne (4)
Blocks: Smith (6)
Steals: Osborne (4)
What's Next
EMU is back on the court on Thursday when they head to Washington DC for a matchup against Gallaudet. Tipoff is set for 5:00 pm.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU women's basketball, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
