HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – It was a historical night for Aviwe Mahlong.

The senior who played his high school ball right down the road at EMHS, had a layup at the 9:10 mark of the first quarter, to add himself to EMU’s 1,000 point club. Unfortunately, his night was spoiled by Washington and Lee, who outscored the Royals 39-33 in the second half, en route to a 75-70 win.

Records: EMU 4-12, 1-7 ODAC | Washington and Lee 4-12, 2-5 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
W&L jumped out to a 7-0 lead to start the game, before EMU stormed back with an 8-1 tilt, going 3-3 from the field with Isaiah Carr scoring five and Kaleb Torrence adding three. The Generals would retake the lead and push it to as many as five, 17-12 with 11:49 left in the frame. EMU would pull back in front with a 13-0 run, using six points from Payton Lewis, four from Mahlong, including his 1000th point, and three from Torrence, to give themselves a 25-17 lead. Later in the half, a Gabriel Campbell layup would give the Royals a 10-point lead, their largest of the game. The lead would hover between three and six until, with EMU leading by six late, W&L ended the half on a 5-0 run to trail 37-36 at the break.

Second Half
A layup from Aaron Brooks got EMU started in the second half, and the lead flip flopped until, with the game tied at 41, W&L went on a 17-5 run over the next 4:46, to take a 58-46 lead. The Royals would continue to fight, cutting into the Generals lead with a 14-7 run over a seven minute span, to pull within five. Later in the half, a Brooks jumper would cut EMU’s deficit to four with 1:39 to play, but EMU would only be able to tack on one more basket, a layup in the final seconds, as Washington and Lee squeaked out the win.

Statistical Leaders
Torrence: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Mahlong: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists

What’s Next
EMU will continue their pattern of home on Wednesday, on the road Saturday, when they head to Danville on Saturday to take on Averett. Tipoff against the Cougars is set for 2 pm.

— EMU Athletics —