HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – EMU Women’s Basketball continued their three-game homestand on Saturday, hosting ODAC foe Averett University. The Royals got out to an early lead but could not hold on to it as the visiting Cougars came back for a 62-55 win.

Jazmyn Taylor, a sophomore guard from Ranson, W.Va., had a breakthrough performance, scoring a career-high 15 points and going 7-of-10 from the free throw line. Kaylene Todd, a junior from Winchester, set a new career best in rebounds with 13.

Averett had three players in double figures, led by Kyjana Jordan with 17 points.

Records: EMU 5-10, 0-6 ODAC | Averett 6-8, 2-4 ODAC

Highlights
First Quarter
Averett scored the first three points of the game, but the Royals responded with a 7-0 run, including four points from Lauren Townsend and a three-pointer by Jayda Jones. The Cougars clawed their way back to the lead at 8-7, but EMU closed out the frame with a 9-2 in the final 3:10 of the quarter, including six points from Taylor. The Royals led 16-10 through the first quarter.

Second Quarter
The Cougars started the second quarter on an 8-0 scoring run to eke their way back to a two-point lead, 18-16. But the Royals soon roared back with an impressive 11-0 run that put them up 27-18 at the 2:33 mark. Grace Burke got things going with a three-pointer, followed by a Taylor layup, three straight points by Jeriyah Osborne, and capped off by an Anabelle Simmons three-pointer. When the halftime horn sounded, EMU opened up an 11-point lead on Averett, 30-19.

Third Quarter
Averett steadily ate into EMU’s lead in the third quarter. The Cougars completed their comeback when Zariia America hit a two-point jumper with 1:11 remaining in the quarter. The two teams went to the fourth tied at 41.

Fourth Quarter
EMU struck first in the fourth with a Todd driving layup to go up 43-41. However, Averett took the lead for good on a pair of free throws by Elisa Harris with 6:42 remaining. EMU stayed within single digits but could not make enough plays to retake the lead.

Statistical Leaders
Scoring: Taylor (15)
Rebounds: Todd (13)
Assists: Osborne (2)
Steals: Taylor (2)

What’s Next
EMU Women’s Basketball will stay home on Wednesday, Jan. 21 when they welcome in nationally-ranked Shenandoah for an ODAC matchup. Tip-off against the Hornets is set for 7 p.m.

— EMU Athletics —