EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry University Men's Basketball Team (10-5, 5-4 SAC) rolled to its fourth consecutive victory Wednesday evening, defeating Mars Hill University (9-6, 3-6 SAC) in a South Atlantic Conference showdown. The Wasps overcame a two-point halftime deficit to take down the Lions by a 69-58 margin.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Emory & Henry 69, Mars Hill 58
LOCATION – Emory, Virginia
VENUE – John Rutledge King Center
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (9-5, 4-4 SAC); Mars Hill (9-5, 3-5 SAC)
How It Happened
- Mars Hill began the game on the front foot, as the visitors from the mountains of North Carolina established an early 7-3 advantage through the first five and a half minutes of action. The Lions increased their lead out to nine at 20-11, but the Wasps responded with a quick 8-0 to draw back within just a point at 20-19 with 5:28 to play in the first half. Emory & Henry continued to press and a made jumper from deep by sophomore guard Korbin Dixon (Milton, Ontario, CANADA) gave the Wasps their first lead of the contest at 25-23 with 2:40 remaining. The squads went back-and-forth down the stretch of the half and a bucket by Gabriel Erbeck of Mars Hill gave the visitors the narrow 32-30 advantage through 20 minutes of action.
- The two teams continued to trade blows to begin the second half and the score stood at 38-36 in favor of MHU at the 17:23 mark. The Wasps had another answer, embarking on a 12-2 run over the next eight minutes capped off by a three from sophomore guard Sam Ritchie (Jacksonville Beach, Fla.) to leapfrog back into the lead at 48-40. The Lions were able to claw back within two at 49-47, but the Wasps went on another quick spurt, this of the 8-0 variety, to push their advantage back out to double digits at 57-47 at the 6:03 mark. E&H saw its lead grow to as many as 14 at 64-50, but Mars Hill would not go quietly as the Lions closed the deficit to just seven at 64-57 with 1:24 left on the clock. That was as close as MHU would get however as Dixon was 4-for-4 from the charity stripe in the deciding moments to lift the Wasps to the 68-57 victory.
Emory & Henry Leaders
- Dixon led the Wasps offensively with 20 points, four rebounds, four steals and a pair of assists. Junior guard Jackson Crawford (Daleville, Va.) went for 19 points, four rebounds and an assist.
- Sophomore forward Isaac Hymes (Phoenix, Ariz.) had a big game as he collected 18 points, 5-for-9 from three, seven rebounds and an assist. Junior guard Jaden Andrew (St. John's, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA) recorded eight points, five rebounds and a trio of helpers.
Mars Hill Individual Leaders
- Ashton Troutman was the leading scorer for the Lions as he posted 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a pair of blocks. Gabe Erbeck added eight points and a pair of rebounds off of the bench.
- Jaheim Taylor went for seven points, three rebounds and a steal while Christian Foy had six points and a rebound.
A Deeper Look
- The Wasps finished shooting 38.8% (19-for-49) from the field and tied a season high with 14 made jumpers from distance (42.4%). E&H struggled at the free throw line, converting just 59.3% (16-for-27) of their attempts.
- Mars Hill was 19-for-54 (35.2%) overall and shot just 22.2% (6-for-27) from deep. The Lions were solid at the line, knocking down 86.7% (13-for-15) of their free throws.
- The two teams were dead even on the glass, collecting 36 rebounds each. MHU took advantage of their offensive rebounds, posting 14 second chance points compared to just five for the Wasps.
- Mars Hill outscored the Wasps by a 24-10 margin in the painted area.
- The game was won and lost from distance as the Wasps tallied 42 points from three, while the Lions managed just 18.
- The contest saw five ties and three lead changes.
Up Next
- Emory & Henry is at home on Saturday, January 17 when the Wasps host the Bulldogs of Wingate University. Tip is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. as the back half of a doubleheader with the women's team.
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