HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – EMU took on Guilford in front of its home crowd on Saturday, with just one more home game left on the schedule.

It was a highly competitive first half, with GC leading 42-37 at the break. But the Quakers outscored the Royals 41-27 in the second half, en route to an 83-64 win.

Records: EMU 5-18, 2-12 ODAC | Guilford 18-6, 11-4 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
Buckets from Aviwe Mahlong and Isaiah Carr put the Royals on top 4-2 to start the game. After the Quakers took the lead, threes from Carr and Zach Bailey ignited the crowd and put EMU ahead 10-9. GC was able to push their lead to seven, before jumpers from Mahlong and Payton Lewis cut the Guilford lead to three. They would push it back to five, but EMU’s offense stayed hot, going on a 5-0 run with a three from Lewis and two points from Jalen Jones. The Quakers were able to retake the lead, getting it once again to as many as seven, but an and-one from Aaron Brooks and a Carr layup pulled EMU to back within two. Later on, a Carr three would get EMU to trail by just one, 34-33, but the Quakers would close out the half on an 8-4 tilt to take a 42-37 halftime lead.

Second Half
Brooks’ layup to start the frame pulled EMU within three and EMU was able to keep it close through the first four minutes of the half. Guilford showcased their talent and hit the gas. After a Brooks free throw brought EMU within five at the 16:35 mark, Guilford went on a 19-0 tilt over the next five minutes to break the game open. Unfortunately for the Royals, Guilford would maintain the 20+ point lead until a late three from Jameel Davis off the assist from Edixon Gomez Blanco, cut the Royals final score deficit to 19.

Statistical Leaders
Carr: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Brooks: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Bailey, Lewis, Jones: 9 points each

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 —