HARRISONBURG, Va.- The EMU Women's Basketball team went on a business trip to the beach on Saturday to take on Virginia Wesleyan in a crucial ODAC contest. The Royals got out to a 19-3 lead after the first quarter and never relinquished it to defeat the Marlins 49-36. It is EMU's fifth straight win in the series.
First-year guard Jeriyah Osborne led the way for EMU, putting up 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. It is Osborne's fifth game scoring in double figures this season. Mya Hamlet contributed 10 points to the Royals' cause, marking her fifth game with 10 or more points in the past six contests. Trinity Washington chipped in with eight points and seven rebounds, while Kayla Surles distributed seven assists, tying her season-high in that statistic.
EMU continued to be stingy on defense, as the Marlins' 36 points were the second-lowest total allowed by the Royals this season. Mekayla Clarke and Meadow Dyke co-led the Marlins with 10 points apiece.
Records: EMU 8-9, 3-7 ODAC | Virginia Wesleyan 3-12, 1-8 ODAC
Highlights
First Quarter
The Royals roared in the first quarter, starting the game with a 17-0 run over the opening 7:55. Washington got the party started with a layup just 22 seconds into the contest, followed by baskets from Hamlet, Surles, Jayla Gray and Laila Glymph. Washington tallied two more layups, and Hamlet capped the run with a three-pointer. Virginia Wesleyan's only basket of the first quarter came on a three-pointer by Dyke with 1:28 left in the first, as EMU led 19-3 after 10 minutes.
Second Quarter
The Marlins found their footing in the second quarter, going on an 8-1 rally over the first 3:22 of the frame. EMU kept them at arm's length with a layup and free throw from Hamlet. The Royals went into the locker room up 23-14.
Third Quarter
EMU entered the third quarter with renewed vigor, outscoring Virginia Wesleyan 19-6 in that period. Of note, Osborne scored back-to-back three-pointers, followed by four points from fellow first-year Kaylene Todd. Jayda Jones and Washington each added a pair of free throws to make the score 42-20 in favor of the Royals going to the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
The Royals used a Brooke Morris three-pointer and three more points from Osborne to grow their lead to 23 over the Marlins. Virginia Wesleyan scored the final 10 points of the game, but by then, EMU had the game well in hand.
Statistical Leaders
Scoring: Osborne (14)
Rebounds: Hamlet, Washington (7)
Assists: Surles (7)
Steals: Hamlet (5)
Blocks: Washington, Jones (1)
What's Next
The EMU Women's Basketball team returns home next Saturday, Jan. 20 to face off with the Ferrum Panthers. Opening tip at Yoder Arena will be at 4:30 p.m.
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