THE BASICS 
Score: Emerson 93, Colby 88
Records: Emerson Lions (1-0); Colby College (1-0)
Location: Waterville, ME (Margaret M. Crook Center)
Date: November 10, 2023
The Lead: The Emerson Men's Basketball team opened their 2023-24 campaign in Waterville Maine as they defeated Colby College 93-88. The Lions offense was led by  Brendan McNamara who dropped in 39 points Trevor Arico who chipped in 21 points.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

EMERSON
Brendan McNamara: 39 points
Trevor Arico: 21 points
Lucas Brenner: 14 points

COLBY
Max Poulton: 22 points & 7 rebounds
Jack Lawson: 17 points & 11 rebounds
Lucas Green: 15 points
 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

• The Lions came out strong to begin their 2023-24 campaign, building a first half lead that got as big as 12 points in the first half as they led Colby 28-16 9 minutes into the first half. Brendan McNamara led the Lions in the first half, dropping in 18 of his game-high 39 points; going 6-10 from the field including draining 2 of 3 three-pointers.
• Despite the double-digit first half deficit Colby clawed back into the game, chipping away at the Lions lead, even taking a lead of their own when Savion Stroud drilled two free throws, giving Colby a 37-36 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the first half.
• McNamara and Trevor Arico led the Lions in the final three minutes, regaining the lead and giving Emerson a 1-point cushion heading into halftime with the score Emerson 43 and Colby 42.
• The Lions offense stayed hot into the second half as they built a 16-point lead just 6 minutes into the second half.
• McNamara and Arico led the Lions offense as McNamara dropped in 21 of his 39 points in the second half and Arico chipped in 14 of his 21 in the second half, including a three-pointer that gave the Lions a 64-48 lead; their biggest lead of the game.
• Colby didn't go down without a fight as they chipped away at the Lions lead as the half went on.
• Colby found themselves within five points with the score 86-81 when Max Poulton drilled a three-pointer, cutting the Lions lead to just two points with :36 remaining in regulation.
• With Colby forced to foul, the Lions drilled their free throws down the stretch and were able to hold off Colby and secure their season opening victory by a score of 93-88.