HARRISONBURG, Va. - The EMU Men's basketball team opened their 2023 home slate Saturday, matching up against the Wildcats of Randolph College.

EMU was able to start the new year off right with a well-rounded victory as four Royals scored in double figures en route to an 88-83 win.  

Records: EMU 5-9, 1-5 ODAC | Randolph 5-10, 1-5 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
A diversified offensive attack kept the Royals flowing through the first half of the game. A layup down low from Mark Burkholder and a three-pointer from Landon Swingler got the offense going. The teams traded baskets, with EMU holding a slim one-point lead, until Aviwe Mahlong drilled a three to put the Royals up by four, 22-18. With just over four minutes left, Randolph took the lead which flip-flopped over the next couple minutes. With things tied at 41 with 1:50 left in the half, four straight points from Mahlong put the Royals back on top. The WildCats would pull within two, but Andre Pacheco's three gave EMU a 48-43 halftime advantage.  

Second Half
The teams traded buckets to start the second half, but EMU was able to extend its lead to double digits as Brown knocked down a three pointer with just over 15 minutes left. EMU continued to hold the lead throughout the half, but a A 14-5 run by the Wildcats brought them within 2, where they would continue to lurk. After minutes of a back-and-forth affair, clutch free throws down the stretch by Daijordan Brown, Swingler, and Burkholder, along with a big three from Burkholder, would prove to seal the deal.

Statistical Leaders

Mahlong – 23 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists

Burkholder – 20 points, 8 rebounds

Brown and Swingler – 19 points apiece

What's Next

EMU will look to stay in the ODAC win column as they face Virginia Wesleyan University on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 pm.  

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