BRIDGEWATER, Va. (EMU Athletics) – After being within striking distance of a win in their first four games, EMU was able to pick up win number one on Sunday against Carlow University.

Four Royals scored in double figures, including a career-high 16 points from first-year BJ Nkrumah, as EMU took down the Celtics 71-61 in the final game of the Carlyle Whitelow Classic.

Records: EMU 1-4, 0-0 ODAC | Carlow 0-7, 0-0 AMCC

Highlights

First Half
Nkrumah came out shooting, drilling a three just 20 seconds into the game to put EMU on top. Five minutes later, after a tipin put the Celtics ahead by five, EMU went on a 13-0 run, highlighted by six points from Donovan Arnason, four from Aaron Brooks and three from Edixon Blanco, for an 18-10 lead. After a Carlow bucket, EMU outscored CU 20-10 over the final 8:19 of the first half with Nkrumah, Brooks and Blanco combining for 18 and the Royals shooting 7-11 from the field.

Second Half
The Celtics were able to whittle their 16 point halftime deficit down to seven with a 15-6 run over the first 4:43 of the second half. But a three from Nkrumah and a layup from Isaiah Carr, pushed EMU’s lead back to double digits, which they would maintain until midway through the half. Once again, after the Celtics cut EMU’s lead to eight, the Royals opened the game back up with a 9-2 tilt, with Blanco leading the way with three. Late in the game, EMU would push that lead to as many as 18 before Carlow finished the game on an 8-0 run, bringing themselves within 10 to wrap up the scoring.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Nkrumah (16), Brooks (15), Arnason (13), Blanco (11)
Rebounds: Carr, Zach Bailey (6)
Assists: Hezekiah Brown (4), Brooks (3)
Steals: Brooks (3)

What’s Next
EMU will play one more game before Thanksgiving break, with Stevenson coming to town on Tuesday. Tipoff against the Mustangs is set for 7:30 pm.

— EMU Athletics —