HARRISONBURG, Va. – Sometimes, you just run into a hot shooting team.
That’s what happened to EMU on Saturday, as the Panthers of Ferrum College shot 61% from the field for the game en route to an 81-65 win.

Records: EMU 5-17, 1-12 ODAC | Ferrum 9-13, 5-8 ODAC

First Half
The Panthers came out red hot, starting the game on a 19-5 run in the first seven minutes of the half. A CJ McCord and-one pulled EMU within 11 and he followed up a Ferrum bucket with a three, along with a Mark Burkholder layup, to cut their lead to eight. Later in the half, with FC ahead by 15, five straight from Daijordan Brown once again pulled EMU to within 10, 34-24. A pair of Burkholder free throws brought the Royals to within nine, but Ferrum finished the half on a 5-2 run and took a 44-32 lead into the break.

Second Half
Ferrum started the second half on a 7-0 tilt to extend their lead to 19 before McCord’s free throws gave EMU their first points of the half. Later in the half, EMU would cut the Panther lead to 12 on a Aviwe Mahlong layup but it seemed like anytime EMU would gain some momentum, the hot shooting Panthers would answer. Late in the game, the Royals would pull within 14, but that was as close as they got as Ferrum secured the win.

Statistical Leaders
McCord – 14 points, 3 rebounds
Mahlong – 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists

What’s Next
The Royals will be off for a week before heading to Averett next Saturday for a matchup with the Cougars. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 pm.

— EMU Athletics —