HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – Coming off a big win over Bridgewater on Wednesday, EMU was looking to make it two in a row as they welcomed in #17 Roanoke.

It was an extremely competitive game, but Roanoke outscored the Royals by eight in both halves en route to a 73-57 win.

Records: EMU 6-15, 3-9 ODAC | Roanoke 16-5, 9-3 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
The teams traded points to start the game, with Aaron Brooks picking up all five to start for the Royals. Later in the first half, Donovan Arnason sandwiched a Maroon bucket with a pair of threes, putting the Royals ahead 11-9 midway through the half. With just over nine minutes left, with things tied at 14, EMU went on a 5-0 run with a layup and-one from Jazen Walker and a layup from Edixon Blanco. Over the next four minutes, Roanoke took the lead with a 12-2 run before an Isaiah Carr driving layup cut RC’s lead to three. The Maroons, however, ended the half on a 5-0 run to lead 31-23 at the break.

Second Half
Brooks and Bailey added buckets at the beginning of the second half, but RC extended their lead with a 6-0 tilt, pushing their lead to 12 before a Walker floater and-one pulled the Royals back within single digits. It was a scoring fury as the teams combined for 17 points over the next two minutes and the Maroons pushed their lead back to 12, 49-37, with 12:13 remaining. Roanoke scored the next seven points to extend their lead to 18, until a 7-0 EMU run, highlighted by five points from Carr and two from Kai Johnson, cut RC’s lead to 11. Unfortunately, 11 was as close as EMU would get, as Roanoke picked up the win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Carr (13), Brooks (11)
Rebounds: Blanco (6)
Assists: Brooks (4)
Steals: Brooks (5)

What’s Next
EMU is back in action on Wednesday, when they welcome in Washington and Lee University to Yoder Arena. Tipoff against the Generals is set for 7:00 pm.

— EMU Athletics —