Men's basketball ends eighteen-game losing streak vs. Bridgewater College

Eastern Mennonite University defeated Bridgewater College 64-52 to snap an 18-game, nine-year losing streak in the head-to-head series in an ODAC men's basketball contest on Saturday evening in Harrisonburg, Va.

EMU (4-2, 1-1 ODAC) never trailed during the game. The Royals built a 26-15 lead through the first 16 minutes of the game and never looked back. EMU carried a 33-19 lead into the break. BC (3-3, 1-1 ODAC) scored the first six points of the second half to cut it to eight at 33-25, but the Eagles could get no closer.

After trading baskets, the Royals put together another run, capped by a lay-up from E.J. Arrington (Staunton, Va.) with 11:05 remaining to put EMU up 50-35. The lead never dipped below 11 the rest of the way as the Royals posted the 64-52 victory.

Junior forward Jason Sager (Edinburg, Va.) led all scorers with 14 points in the winning effort and added five rebounds and two steals. His 14 points left him one point shy of 1,000 points for his career. Sophomore guard Brad Parkes (Winchester, Va.) had 11 points while junior guard JoMorrae Gordon (Oakdale, Calif.) contributed 10 points, three assists, and three steals.

The Royals shot 49% from the floor on 24 of 49 shooting and hit five of 15 three-point field goal opportunities for 33.3%. EMU also went 11 of 15 at the free throw line for 73.3% accuracy. EMU held a 28-25 rebounding edge and posted 13 steals.

Senior forward Clay Michael (Inwood, W.Va.) had game-high honors for Bridgewater with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and four steals. The Eagles also shot 49% on 24 of 49 shooting and made two of six three-pointers. BC had just seven free throw opportunities, connecting on only two.

EMU will be home again on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for an ODAC game against Virginia Wesleyan College.