HARRISONBURG, VA. – EMU Women's Basketball resumed their four-game November homestand in Yoder Arena on Friday as the Apprentice School Builders laid anchor in Harrisonburg. The game proved to be smooth sailing for the Royals, cruising to a 70-48 victory behind an outstanding shooting performance by graduate student Kayla Surles.
Overall, Surles scored 23 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Jada Bryant captained the Apprentice effort with 12 points on the evening.
Records: EMU 1-3, 0-1 ODAC | Apprentice 2-1
Highlights
First Quarter
Mya Hamlet got EMU on the board first with a mid-range jumper 1:36 into the contest, followed closely by a driving lay up by Jeriyah Osborne. The Royals and the Builders traded baskets from there, but it was mostly defense that defined a 12-10 first quarter in favor of Apprentice.
Second Quarter
The Royals snagged the lead for good thanks to a driving layup by Surles just before the halfway point of the second quarter. Overall, EMU closed out the half on a 11-5 run over the final 4:14 of the half, capped by a Jayla Gray layup with two seconds remaining.
Third Quarter
The black-and-blue clad Royals cruised away from the Builders in the second half, going on another 11-5 scoring run over the first 5:13 of the third quarter. That sequence that included seven points from Surles, a Gray free throw, and a three-pointer by Osborne. Caris Lucas chipped in with a three-pointer as well, her sixth of the season. Four straight free throws by Surles put the lead at 50-31 after 30 minutes.
Fourth Quarter
Every Royal player saw action in the final frame. Eight EMU players scored at least one point down the stretch, part of a 20-point fourth quarter to put the game on ice.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Surles (23)
Rebounds: Brii Redfearn (8)
Assists: Surles, Hamlet (5)
Steals: Glymph (4)
Blocks: Three players tied with 1
What's Next
The EMU Women's Basketball team does not have long to celebrate, as they will be back in action at Yoder Arena tomorrow—Saturday, November 18—to host the Hood College Blazers. Tip-off will be at 2 p.m.