HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – The Royals were back in the friendly confines of Yoder Arena on Saturday, taking on the Cougars of Averett University.

Averett came into the game winners of three straight, including a two-point win over #2 Randolph Macon. But the Royals played a tough and gritty game, picking up the upset win over the Cougars, 61-58.

Records: EMU 5-10, 2-4 ODAC | Averett 10-4, 3-2 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
A pair of Cougar threes sandwiched an Edixon Blanco layup, giving AU a 6-2 lead early on. EMU answered with a 13-0 run, with four points coming from Jazen Walker and three from Blanco, giving the Royals a 15-6 lead with just under 10 minutes left in the half. The Cougars were able to cut the lead to two with 5:27 left, before Carr and Walker layups extended their lead back to six. After a Cougar free throw, EMU went on a 6-0 run, with Walker netting all six, to give EMU an 11-point advantage. Averett ended the half on an 8-0 run over the final 2:22, but the Royals held a 27-24 lead at the break.

Second Half
A layup from Zach Bailey and four points from Carr, helped EMU push their lead to seven just two minutes into the second half. Averett then came alive, going on a 15-2 run to take a 41-35 lead. Bailey and Hezekiah Brown pulled EMU within two, but a Cougar three pushed their lead back to five. AU was able to extend their lead to eight with nine minutes left, and the lead was six with 6:07 remaining. But that’s when EMU made their move, scoring 10 of the next 12 points, capped off by a layup from Aaron Brooks with 1:48 left, giving the Royals the lead back. That would be enough for EMU, as they outscored Averett 6-5 down the stretch, including going 4-4 from the free throw line, to secure the upset win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Carr (18), Walker (12)
Rebounds: Walker (9), Brooks (7)
Assists: Walker and Brooks (4)
Steals: Brooks (5)

What’s Next
The Royals will make the short trip up to Winchester on Wednesday, for a matchup at Shenandoah. Tipoff against the Hornets is set for 7:00 pm.

— EMU Athletics —