Marlins Race Past EMU in ODAC Tilt

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Virginia Wesleyan College men's basketball team went on a 27-11 run over the final 9:39 in Wednesday night's contest to defeat Eastern Mennonite University 90-75 in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) action.

The Marlins trailed 64-63 when Tim Jones made a layup with 9:39 left in the game, jumpstarting the Virginia Wesleyan rally. Andre Banks followed on the next possession with a three-pointer off a Jones assist for a 68-64 lead.

The series of plays helped the Marlins pull ahead by double-digits, crucial in a game that featured 17 lead changes.

Khalil Barnette pulled down a defense rebound at 7:55, racing up the court for a fast break layup and a 70-64 lead. Banks knocked down another three on VWC's next trip up the floor, putting the Marlins up by nine, 73-64.

EMU broke the four minute scoreless drought at 6:41 when Rashawn Latimer tipped in his own missed layup to cut the deficit back to seven, but the Marlins ran off six more points before EMU scored another field goal, holding a 79-67 lead at the 5:23 mark.

The Marlins trailed by one, 40-39, at halftime, but outscored EMU 51-35 in the second half thanks to a 5-of-12 (41.7%) mark from deep and 16-of-17 (94.1%) second half showing from the free throw line. Meanwhile, EMU went 1-of-6 (16.7%) from three after intermission and 10-of-15 (66.7%) from the charity stripe.

Xavier McCants led EMU (7-7/1-4) with 18 points in 19 minutes off the bench. Sammy Thomas added 13 points while Latimer contributed 12.

Khory Moore paced VWC with his first double-double of the season, scoring a game-high 24 points to go with 10 rebounds. Banks posted 18 points on six made three-pointers, while Jones tallied 14 points and Keijon Honore, 10 with four assists.

Virginia Wesleyan (10-4/3-2) hosts Lynchburg College (9-5/3-2) Saturday for a 4:30 p.m. ODAC contest. The women's basketball team will play prior to the men, hosting Hollins University at 2 p.m.