BRIDGEWATER, Va. – For about 15 seconds, it looked like Payton Lewis had just won the game for the Royals.

The junior transfer drilled a three with 21 seconds left, to put EMU ahead by one. But, with just six seconds left on the clock, an EMU foul sent Eli Ballstaedt to the line, where he knocked down both free throws to send Southern Virginia to a 77-76 win over EMU.

Records: EMU 1-2, 0-0 ODAC | Southern Virginia 1-1, 0-0 USA South

First Half
EMU and SVU matched points to start the game, with Southern Virginia hitting a two and a three, which was mirrored by Zach Bailey’s layup and Lewis’ first three, to tie things at five. SVU pulled ahead with a 6-0 run, before a Jalen Jones dunk and a Kai Johnson three gave EMU a 5-0 run and brought them back within one. The teams swapped points until EMU was able to take their first lead at the 8:38 mark a jumper from CJ Harrist and a three from Aviwe Mahlong. The Knights retook the lead and held it for the next six minutes, before another three from Lewis gave the Royals a 29-28 advantage. In the final minute of the half, a 4-0 SVU run gave them a 34-31 lead, but Lewis hit his third three of the frame to send the teams to the break tied at 34.

Second Half
EMU started the second half on a 4-0 run, picking up four straight points from Aaron Brooks. The teams swapped leads over the next seven minutes until, with things tied at 47, EMU used points from Lewis and Johnson to go on an 8-0 run and pull ahead 55-47. They would continue to hold the lead, but by no more than eight, until the 6:45 mark, when SVU would go on a 7-0 run over the next four minutes to take a 73-66 lead. EMU would claw back and pull within two after a Jones made free throw with 1:34 left, setting up the exciting, yet disappointing finish for EMU.

Statistical Leaders
Lewis: 25 points, 2 rebounds
Brooks: 12 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
Johnson, Mahlong: 12 & 11 points

What’s Next
EMU will have to have a quick memory, as they’re back on the court on Saturday. They’ll take on Greensboro in the first game of Day 2 of the Carlyle Whitelow Invitational. Tipoff against the Pride is set for 4 pm.

— EMU Athletics —