NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Emory & Henry University Men's Basketball Team (14-8, 9-7 SAC) earned its third consecutive South Atlantic Conference win, defeating Newberry College (10-12, 6-10 SAC) Saturday afternoon. The Wasps ran out to an 11-point halftime lead and cruised to the 85-72 victory. With the win, the Wasps moved into sole possession of sixth place in the SAC.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Emory & Henry 66, Newberry 64
LOCATION – Newberry, South Carolina
VENUE – Eleazer Arena
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (14-8, 9-7 SAC); Newberry (10-12, 6-10 SAC)
How It Happened
- The teams went back-and-forth to start the game and back-to-back threes by freshman guard Melchior Hughes (Geneva, SWITZERLAND) gave the Wasps an early 15-9 lead with 14:29 showing on the clock. The Wolves pulled back within three at 21-18, but E&H utilized a 9-0 run over the next two minutes to give themselves some room to breathe at 30-18. The Wasps continued to keep the Wolves at arm's length throughout the remainder of the half to take a 47-36 lead into the break.
- Emory & Henry maintained its double-digit advantage through the opening seven minutes of play as a three from freshman forward Donnie Morris (Tampa, Fla.) made it 62-49 with 11:51 to play. Back-to-back threes from sophomore guard Korbin Dixon (Milton, Ontario, CANADA) saw the Wasps' lead grow to 73-49 at the 7:21 mark of the second half. E&H continued to pour in shots from the floor as junior guard Jackson Crawford (Daleville, Va.) knocked down a jumper from long range to run the score out to 80-63 at the 4:50 mark. The Wolves had no answer for the Wasps' offense throughout the contest as the visitors from Emory rolled to the 85-72 SAC win.
Emory & Henry Leaders
- Dixon paced the Wasps with a game-high 23 points, two rebounds and a pair of assists. Crawford went for 21 points, five boards, two helpers and a steal.
- Sophomore forward Isaac Hymes (Phoenix, Ariz.) finished with 14 points and a trio of rebounds while Hughes tacked on six points, one assist and a steal. Junior forward Jalen Smith (San Antonio, Texas) added five points, two steals, two assists and a rebound in the win.
Newberry Individual Leaders
- Drake Downs was the high-point scorer for the Wolves as he went for 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a pair of blocked shots. Makhi Rivers collected 10 points, two assists and a steal.
- Malakhi Stremlow had nine points and five rebounds off of the bench while Kayzzin McDowell recorded eight points, one assist and a rebound.
A Deeper Look
- Emory & Henry shot a blistering 53.2% (25-for-47) from the floor and 43.3% (13-30) from beyond the three-point arc. The Wasps were 22-for-28 (78.6%) at the free throw line.
- Newberry was 22-for-48 (45.8%) overall and 6-for-16 (37.5%) from deep. The Wolves converted 66.7% (22-for-33) of their attempts from the charity stripe.
- E&H held a narrow 26-23 advantage on the glass, but the Wolves scored 15 second chance points compared to 14 for the Wasps.
- Each team committed 12 turnovers, however E&H converted those miscues into 19 points while the Wolves managed 15.
- The Wasps dished out 17 assists on their 25 made buckets, compared to 10 helpers on 22 field goals for the Wolves.
- NC held a slight 26-24 advantage on points scored in the painted area.
- The Wasps led the entire contest, as there were no lead changes and four ties.
Up Next
- Emory & Henry is back at home on Wednesday, February 11 when the Wasps host Southwest Virginia rival the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from the John Rutledge King Center.
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