HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – It was another installment of the Route 42 Rivalry Wednesday night, as Bridgewater College made the short trip over to EMU.

The teams exchanged threes to start the game, EMU went on a 9-0 run and never looked back, as Aaron Brooks dropped a game-high 20 points and Zach Bailey picked up his first career double-double to help EMU to a dominant win over Bridgewater, 70-49.

Records: EMU 6-14, 3-8 ODAC | Bridgewater 6-14, 2-9 ODAC

Highlights

First Half
Aaron Brooks got things started for EMU, hitting a three just 28 seconds into the game. After BC’s three, EMU scored the next nine points, with Zach Bailey picking up four and Hezekiah Brown adding three, to lead 12-3. Over the next five minutes, EMU extended their lead to 19 with a 14-4 run, with Brooks and Jazen Walker combining for 11 points over that span. An Eagle three stopped EMU’s run, but only temporarily as they answered with another 9-0 tilt, this time with Bailey and Isaiah Carr combining for all nine points, and a 29-9 lead. The Royals stayed hot over the last six minutes of the half, outscoring Bridgewater 18-11 and shooting 4-9 from the field, taking a 46-27 lead into the break.

Second Half
The teams swapped points to start the second, until the Eagles were able to cut into EMU’s lead with a 6-0 tilt. A pair of free throws from Brown pushed the Royals’ lead back to 17 but a quick BC three pulled them within 14. EMU kept their foot on the gas, however, scoring the next six points and re-extending their lead to 20 with nine minutes left. Both offenses slowed down in the latter part of the second half, but EMU’s defense held Bridgewater to just seven points on 3-11 shooting in the final 7:46 to secure the win.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Brooks (20), Bailey (17 – career high), Carr (10)
Rebounds: Bailey (12 – career high, first career double-double)
Assists: Brooks (4)
Blocks: Bailey (3)
Steals: Brooks, Kai Johnson (3)

What’s Next
EMU will continue their home stand with a game inside Yoder Arena on Saturday. They’ll welcome in Roanoke College for an ODAC showdown, with a 2:00 pm tipoff. Saturday is EMU’s Faculty, Staff and Alumni Appreciation game, as well as the weekend EMU Athletics will induct four honorees into the ODAC Hall of Fame.

— EMU Athletics —