HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – After the snow had something to say about it, EMU and Mary Washington finally squared off, a day later than expected, in EMU’s non-conference finale.

Mary Washington led by 11 at the break, and despite a competitive second half, UMW picked up the 83-71 win over the Royals.

Records: EMU 5-17, 2-11 ODAC | Mary Washington 10-12, 0-0 C2C

Highlights

First Half
UMW jumped out to a 6-0 lead, holding EMU scoreless through the first four minutes, until a layup from Aviwe Mahlong put EMU on the board. UMW continued to lead, and pushed it to nine with 12:50 in the half, before EMU went on a 5-0 run with a three from Edixon Gomez-Blanco and a layup from Aaron Brooks, to cut the Eagles lead to four. Over the next seven and a half minutes, Mary Washington started to pull away, going on a 22-9 run, taking a 39-22 lead. EMU continued to fight, going on a 13-7 run of their own, highlighted by nine points from Payton Lewis, to pull within nine late. But a jumper from the Eagles pushed their lead to 11 to wrap up the half.

Second Half
A 4-0 run started the half for Mary Washington, pushing their lead to 15 and they would extend it to as many as 19 at the 15:03 mark. Both teams shot the ball well in the second half, but UMW seemed to answer EMU’s buckets, keeping the lead between 15 and 19 throughout the half. After a pair of free throws put UMW back on top by 19 with just over six minutes to play, EMU went on a 5-0 tilt, with all five coming from Brooks, to cut UMW’s lead to 14. The Eagles would pull back in front by 18 with just under two minutes, but EMU would end the game on a 6-0 run, with a pair of threes from Lewis, to finish the Royals scoring.

Statistical Leaders
Brooks: 21 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds
Lewis: 17 points, 2 assists, 1 steal

What’s Next
EMU continues its homestand on Saturday, when they take on the Quakers of Guilford College inside Yoder Arena. Tipoff is set for 4:30 pm.

— EMU Athletics —