HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – EMU Men’s Basketball had its 2024-25 home finale against Shenandoah on Tuesday night, which doubled as their Senior Night. Before the opening tip, graduating seniors Aviwe Mahlong Jameel Davis, and Jalen Jones were honored for their contributions to the men’s basketball program.

Once the game got going, the visiting Hornets opened up an early lead that the Royals could not overcome, falling 74-59 in Yoder Arena.

Records: EMU 5-19, 2-13 ODAC | Shenandoah 9-15, 4-11 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
The Hornets swarmed on EMU early, scoring the first eight points of the contest. Davis broke the seal for EMU with a floating jumpshot at the 16:41 mark to make it 8-2. Then, Shenandoah went on a separate 7-0 to get out to an 15-2 cushion. Aaron Brooks and Peyton Lewis got on the board with a driving layup and a three-pointer, respectively, in the middle of the half. But the Hornets again went on a 7-0 run to get out to a 28-8 lead with five minutes left in the opening half. EMU chipped into the deficit a bit with a 7-2 run from the 4:43 to 3:30 marks of the first half, including four points from Kaleb Torrence and a Zach Bailey three-pointer. However, the Hornets had the last say in the first half, outscoring the Royals over the final 2:34 of the half to head into the locker room 38-17 on EMU.

Second Half
The EMU offense came alive in the second half, outscoring Shenandoah 42-36 in the final 20 minutes. Of note, Lewis scored 16 of his team-leading 19 points in the second half. Mahlong and Torrence also gave the Royals an offensive boost with eight points each in the second half. However, the Hornets were able to keep up with the Royals offensively enough to maintain a healthy lead and hand EMU the loss.

Statistical Leaders
Lewis: 19 points, 6-of-12 shooting from the field
Torrence: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Mahlong: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 6-of-6 FTs

What’s Next
EMU will wrap up its 2024-25 home slate on Wednesday when they welcome in Shenandoah University. Prior to the 7:30 tipoff, the Royals will celebrate its three seniors: Mahlong, Davis and Jones.

— EMU Athletics —