HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – Despite the regular season wrapping up in just over a week, EMU and Washington and Lee were facing off for the first time this season, as the Generals came to Yoder Arena Wednesday night.
EMU put together a complete game, shooting 43% from the field, while playing strong defense and hitting clutch shots when they were needed, en route to a 62-60 upset OT win over W&L.
Records: EMU 7-15, 4-9 ODAC | Washington and Lee 16-6, 8-5 ODAC
Highlights
First Half
W&L hit back-to-back threes to start the game, taking a 6-0 lead, before EMU blazed ahead with a 12-0 run, picking up five points from Isaiah Carr, three from Kai Johnson and two apiece from Jazen Walker and Hezekiah Brown. EMU would continue to hold onto a 6-8 point lead until, with the Royals ahead 18-12 at the 7:00 mark, EMU pushed their lead to 15 with a 9-0 run, with BJ Nkrumah, Aaron Brooks, Brown and Carr all picking up baskets. W&L was able to cut EMU’s lead back to 11 late in the half, but a jumper at the buzzer from Brooks gave the Royals a 32-19 advantage at the break.
Second Half
The Generals chipped the Royals lead to nine to start the second half and with just under 15 minutes, cut their deficit to six. But EMU responded right back, pushing it back to nine with a Carr three. Washington and Lee started their comeback midway through the half when, trailing by 11, they went on a 7-0 run to pull within four with 10 minutes left. After some back-and-forth, EMU was able to push their lead back to eight after a Walker layup, but once again, the Generals fought and were able to cut their deficit to one, 53-52, with 3:54 left in the game. Donovan Arnason drilled a three for a four-point EMU advantage, but after that bucket, the Royals went scoreless over the final 2:50, and W&L hit a bucket and a pair of free throws, to give the fans some extra basketball.
Overtime
Both teams hit two free throws to start the bonus period, before Brooks’ biggest shot of the night, a three with the shot clock winding down, gave EMU a 61-58 lead with 2:24 left. W&L followed that up with a layup, but EMU’s defense came to life, keeping the Generals scoreless in the final two minutes and holding them to 0-4 from the field with a block, to secure the win.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Walker (14), Brooks and Carr (12)
Rebounds: Nkruman (7)
Assists: Brooks (3)
Steals: Brooks (4)
Blocks: Zach Bailey (2)
What’s Next
After tonight, the Royals will hit the road on Saturday, heading to Lynchburg for an afternoon matinee against the Hornets. Tipoff against Lynchburg is set for 2:00 pm.
— EMU Athletics —
