WASHINGTON , D.C. (EMU Athletics) – After beginning the season on the right foot last week, the EMU Women’s Basketball team loaded up the bus for their first road trip of the season, heading to the nation’s capital to face off with Gallaudet.

The host Bison led at halftime, but the Royals roared back behind fantastic individual efforts by Grace Burke and Jeriyah Osborne to pick up the 74-66 victory. Burke and Osborne combined for 55 of EMU’s 74 points, scoring 23 and 22 points, respectively.
Natalie Greene had a monster game for Gallaudet, posting a double-double of 29 points and 18 rebounds.

Records: EMU 2-0, 0-0 ODAC | Gallaudet 0-3, 0-0 United East

Highlights

First Quarter
The host Bison made the most of the homecourt advantage early on, getting out a 14-4 lead at the 3:41 mark of the first quarter. EMU, however, settled into the game and went on a 13-1 run for the rest of the period. Osborne and Burke teamed up for 11 of the 13 points for the Royals in that span, including a three-pointer by Burke to beat the first quarter buzzer and put EMU up 17-15.

Second Quarter
Gallaudet countered by building up another 10-point lead, going up 32-22 on a fastbreak layup by Greene with 2:11 left in the first half. EMU did chip away at the deficit with the final points of the opening half on three free throws by Burke and a layup from Kaylene Todd. The Bison led the Royals 32-27 at the break.

Third Quarter
Gallaudet continued the theme of growing their lead early in the quarter, pushing out to an eight-point cushion after a Hannah Alford free throw at the 2:36 mark. On the other hand, the Royals also continued their trend of closing the gap late in quarters. Osborne swished a three-point, followed by a layup by Brooke Elam to make it a one-possession game with 10 minutes to play. The score was Gallaudet 51, EMU 48.

Fourth Quarter
Osborne took over the game early in the fourth quarter, nailing another three-pointer 1:12 into the fourth, followed by a layup 31 seconds later. The Royals never trailed the rest of the way, outscoring the Bison 26-15 in the fourth quarter to pull away for the win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Burke (23), Osborne (22)
Rebounds: Burke (5)
Assists: Osborne (6)
Blocks: Anna Smith (2)
Steals: Burke (4)

What’s Next
EMU Women’s Basketball returns to Yoder Arena this Sunday, Nov. 15, as they play host to Mid-Atlantic Christian. Tip-off versus the Mustangs is set for 4 p.m.

— EMU Athletics —