While EMU (3-3, 1-2) was igniting a 30-15 run to close the game, the Marlins (8-0, 4-0) got just enough offense from Peter Warren, Brandon Adair, Thomas Sumpter and Marques Fitch to maintain a lead to the final buzzer for a 75-68 victory.
The Marlins led 60-38 on a three-point by rookie Ari’ Paschal with 14:24 remaining in the game, when EMU started its final run.
A determined EMU team finished the game the same way it started it, as the Royals played the Marlins close in the early minutes. But, Virginia Wesleyan tightened up defensively and forced 17 first-half turnovers that helped the Marlins open up a 22-point lead with 3:04 remaining in the half. The Marlins went on to post a 50-30 halftime advantage.
Virginia Wesleyan forced 26 EMU turnovers overall and committed only 10. The Marlins battled through a cold shooting night however, hitting only 36.9 % from the floor, as compared to 58.5% for the Royals.
Sophomore Brandon Adair was one of only three Marlins to shoot 50% or better for the game as he canned 7-of-13 attempts en route to 17 points. He also led the Marlins with nine rebounds. Sumpter finished with 13 points, helped by a 4-of-8 showing from the floor, and Fitch finished with 10 points, helped by a 6-of-8 showing from the charity stripes.
Sager hit on 13-of-22 field goal attempts on the night and led the Royals with nine rebounds. Ryan King was the only other EMU player in double-figure scoring with 10 points.
–VWC–