LYNCHBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – With just a trio of games left in the 2025-26 regular season, the Royals made a trip to Lynchburg on Saturday, looking to swat the Hornets.

It wasn’t to be, however, as Lynchburg took a lead late in the first half and never looked back, en route to a 72-60 win.

Records: EMU 7-16, 4-10 ODAC | Lynchburg 14-9, 9-5 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
Lynchburg picked up the first points of the game, before a Hezekiah Brown layup tied things at two. A few minutes later, after a free throw put Lynchburg ahead by one, EMU used back-to-back jumpers from Aaron Brooks to take a three-point lead. After a back-and-forth, a layup and-one from Donovan Arnason pushed EMU’s lead to six with just over 11 minutes left in the half. Over the next 3:26, Lynchburg would go on a 10-0 run, taking a 21-17 advantage. Later, with Lynchburg leading 24-20, went on a 6-2 run, with points from Brown, BJ Nkrumah and Isaiah Carr, to tie the game at 26. The Hornets stormed ahead with seven straight points, and would take a 38-32 lead into the half.

Second Half
Five minutes into the second half, Lynchburg was able to push their lead to double-digits and would keep that until, with 13:42 left to play, an 8-0 Royals run, highlighted by four points from Arnason and three from Edixon Blanco, pulled EMU within four, 50-46. After both teams picked up buckets, Lynchburg was able to push their lead back to double-digits with an 11-4 tilt and would ride it out to pick up the win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Brooks (13), Carr (12), Brown (10)
Rebounds: Walker (7)
Assists: Brooks (4)
Steals: Brooks and Walker (2)

What’s Next
EMU will return home for the home finale on Wednesday, as they take on Shenandoah. They’ll also celebrate their two seniors: Donovan Arnason and Zach Bailey, before the game. Tipoff against the Hornets is set for 7:00 pm.

— EMU Athletics —