FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. -- Lees-McRae men's basketball opened Conference Carolinas play this evening as the Bobcats fell 90-65 to Emmanuel.
Nico Ashley recorded 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting in 25 minutes for Lees-McRae.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Emmanuel (Ga.) – 90; Lees-McRae – 65
LOCATION: Shaw Athletic Center – Franklin Springs, Georgia
RECORDS: Emmanuel (Ga.) – (3-2/1-0), Lees-McRae – (2-3/0-1)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Emmanuel capitalized on 20 Bobcat turnovers as the Lions scored 24 points off those turnovers and secured 16 second chance points in the 90-65 victory.
- Ashley made a highlight dunk to open the game for Lees-McRae at 2-0, but Emmanuel took the lead and pushed its advantage to 16-10 after Jarrett Boyd layup. Jaylin Stewart cut the deficit to one at 28-27 as the Lions answered once again to gain the 37-28 edge before halftime.
- In the second half, Emmanuel opened with a 7-0 run to collect the 44-28 and the Lions never let go of the double-digit lead as they earned the 90-65 victory on opening night of league play.
- Lees-McRae shot 46.3% (25-54) from the field with four three-pointers and 11-15 from the free-throw line. Ashley had a career night with 21 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Justin Nichelson joined him in double figures with 11 points on 3-6 shooting and 5-5 from the charity stripe.
FOR THE LIONS:
- Kevin Jones led the way for Emmanuel with a double-double on 24 points and 12 boards to go along with seven assists. Chris Dees had 20 points and Tavarus Webb and Kendall Latney joined them in double-digit scoring with 16 and 12, respectively.
- Emmanuel went 31 of 60 (51.7%) from the floor and knocked in 12 three-pointers in the contest.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats return to action on Saturday, Nov. 26 for a non-conference matchup with Tusculum. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start in Greenville, Tennessee.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on Twitter (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
