Box Score BOSTON, Mass. - The Emerson Men's Basketball Team suffered a tough 67-39 loss Thursday night to GNAC rivals, Emmanuel College, at EC's Brown-Plofker Gym. The Lions put up a solid first half to keep in the game, but the Saints' fast-paced offense took off for a huge second half to make the difference. The Lions fall to 1-7 on the year and 1-1 in conference play while the Saints move to 3-4 overall and 2-0 in the GNAC.
The Saints were the first on the board in the game, and their scoring remained consistent throughout the rest of the first half. They made 50% of both their field goals and free throws. Emerson shot well, also at 50% in field goals, but Emmanuel took a scoring advantage in free throws, making five of ten free throws in the first half with Emerson committing nine fouls to Emmanuel's two.
Nathan Firn led the Lions in scoring throughout the first half, making five of seven shots. The Lions trailed the Saints for the beginning of the half, but as they picked up the pace to match the Saints' lightning-fast defense, freshman Eli Kell-Abrams became a key player in closing the gap. With four assists, three rebounds, and three steals, he gave the Lions the opportunity to fight their way back. The first half closed with Emmanuel in the lead byt only six 33-27.
The second half saw the Lions struggle on offense as they couldn't top 20% on the floor or beyond the arc. The Saints' played smart disbursing the points and making passing and shooting choices. Nathan Firn led in scoring for the Lions again in the second half with four, but with only 12 points posted the effort was not enough to match the Saints' speed across the court in scoring and Emmanuel ran off with a 67-39 final.
The Lions continue GNAC play this Saturday, December 10th as they travel to Johnson and Wales University for a 1 p.m. tip.
Submitted by Sydney Hermanson - Emerson Media Relations
