GAFFNEY, S.C. – The Emory & Henry College Men's Basketball Team (5-19, 2-14 SAC) held the lead for the majority of the game, but came up short against Limestone University (11-13, 7-9 SAC) in South Atlantic Conference play Saturday evening. The Saints overcame a halftime deficit to take the victory 82-77.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Limestone 82, Emory & Henry 77
LOCATION – Gaffney, South Carolina
VENUE – Timken Center
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (5-19, 2-14 SAC); Limestone (11-13, 7-9 SAC)
How It Happened
- The Wasps started hot from the field as they ran out to an early 11-7 lead at the first media timeout. Limestone tied things up at 13-13 with just over 12 minutes to play in the opening half, but a three-point jumper from sophomore forward Jacob Dar (Omaha, Neb.) pushed E&H back ahead. E&H increased its lead out to 24-20 until a mini run of 7-2 gave the Saints their first lead of the game with three minutes on the clock. The score was deadlocked again at 31-31, but sophomore forward Marshall Klug (Greensboro, N.C.) drained a shot from deep on an assist from freshman guard Jackson Crawford (Daleville, Va.) as time expired to send the Wasps into the halftime break with the lead for just the second time in SAC play this season.
- E&H increased its advantage out to seven to begin the second stanza before an 11-2 run from the home team saw them retake the lead 44-42 at the 14:58 mark. The two squads continued to trade buckets over the following five minutes of play and the score stood at 59-57 in favor of the Saints midway through the half. The Wasps rallied over the following three minutes to outscore Limestone 9-2 and establish a 66-61 margin at the under eight minute media timeout. Another run and lead change saw the Saints jump ahead 73-69 with just under two minutes remaining. E&H extended the game by fouling and continuing to make layups and the deficit was trimmed to just three at 79-76 with 22 seconds on the clock. Limestone was clutch down the stretch, converting its opportunities at the charity stripe to hold on for the 82-77 win.
Emory & Henry Individual Leaders
- Dar continued his terrific scoring form as he was in double digits for the ninth consecutive game. He finished with 27 points, five rebounds and a pair of steals. Klug added 15 points, six boards and a steal while junior guard Jalen Leftwich (Lynchburg, Va.) contributed 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal.
- Junior forward Jake Moynihan (Muncie, Ind.) had a double-double with 11 points, a game-high ten rebounds and an assist.
Limestone Individual Leaders
- Jacquez Yow led the Saints with 19 points, five rebounds, two steals, two blocked shots and an assist. Josh Linder posted 16 points, four boards and a blocked shot to go with Trevon Payton's 15 points, two assists and two steals.
- Zeb Graham had 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and a game-high four steals.
A Deeper Look
- Emory & Henry shot 46.4 percent (26-for-56) for the game with ten made three-pointers (43.5%). The Wasps went 15-for-21 (71.4%) at the free throw line.
- Limestone converted 30-of-58 (51.7%) of its field goal attempts, connecting on eight triples for 38.1% from behind the three-point stripe. The Saints knocked down 73.7 percent (14-of-19) of their free throws.
- E&H held a healthy 39-27 rebounding advantage, including 14-7 on the offensive glass. The Wasps also held a narrow 10-8 margin on second chance points.
- Limestone committed just ten turnovers compared to 19 for Emory & Henry. The Saints converted those miscues into 24 points.
- The Saints pounded the ball inside, outscoring the Wasps by a 42-30 margin.
- The LU bench contributed 20 points to just four for E&H.
Up Next
- Emory & Henry returns home on Wednesday, February 21 when they look to complete the season sweep of the Lions of Mars Hill University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. as game one of a doubleheader with the women's team.
--E&H--