HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – Before the Royals could put out the milk and cookies for Santa, they had some business to attend to against William Peace.

A layup from Donovan Arnason with 3:27 left in the first half gave EMU the lead, and they never trailed again as they picked up a 68-54 win over the Pacers.

Records: EMU 3-7, 0-2 ODAC | William Peace 6-3, 0-0 USA South

Highlights

First Half
Aaron Brooks got the Royals started with a jumper to start the game before a WPU three put them ahead. EMU answered with a 7-2 tilt over the next two minutes, with all seven points coming Isaiah Carr. The Royals would continue to lead until the 14:32 mark after a WPU three, and the teams would flip flop points over the next 9:34, to William Peace leading 23-22 after a 14-12 Pacer advantage. Five points from Carr and four from Arnason highlighted a big 13-5 run for the Royals, spanning the final 4:41 and giving EMU a 35-28 lead at the break.

Second Half
EMU opened the half on a 15-7 run, getting nine points from Hezekiah Brown and six from Zach Bailey, to take a 50-35 lead with just under 14 minutes left in the game. EMU would continue to hold a double-digit lead until, with about 7:30 left in the game, the Pacers went on an 8-2 run, pulling within nine, 60-51. Carr drilled a jumper and Brooks nailed a pair of free throws, to push EMU back in front by 12 and the William Peace offense could only muster two points over the final three minutes, as EMU secured the home win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Carr (22 – career high), Jazen Walker (13), Bailey (10)
Rebounds: Carr (9), Bailey (8)
Assists: Brooks (8 – tied career high)
Steals: Brown, Arnason (2)

What’s Next
The Royals are off for winter break! They’ll return to action on Saturday, Jan. 3 when they head to Maryland to take on St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Tipoff against the Seahawks is set for 3:00 pm.

— EMU Athletics —