In a bout between Eastern Mennonite University (8-11, 6-6 ODAC) and Virginia Wesleyan (12-9, 8-4 ODAC) it came down to the final buzzer in Yoder Arena. The Marlins made the long trip all the way to Harrisonburg to take on the Royals in the late season ODAC clash. The Royals came into the game at 8-10, riding a three game win streak while playing against some of the better teams in the conference. The Royals came out of the gates hot, holding a 17-9 lead nine minutes into the game. Virginia Wesleyan then went on a 18-8 to end the first half, up two 27-25. In the first half we saw the Royals double team Tim Fisher, who came into the game a top 10 scorer in the ODAC every time he touched the ball. He was held to 6 first half points on 3-7 shooting. This caused the Marlins to stretch out the floor, and shoot 15 three pointers in the first half. Tim Jones, a familiar name for Royals, once again showed why he commands the respect he gets from defenses every game. The fifth year super senior had 11 points and 2 assists on 4-6 shooting.
The game would remain competitive coming out of the half as it was tied nine total times, and had twelve total lead changes. First-year sensation Landon Swingler, who was held to a scoreless first half, hit two quick threes for his first points of the game. In a back and forth second half after early three pointers from both teams, Tim Jones and Tim Fisher both showed why they are two of the top scorers in the conference. Fisher scored 16 second half points while fighting through double teams and getting a chance to show off his footwork. Fisher finished the game with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Jones would add 12 and 5 assists, to finish with 23 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Coming down the stretch, it seemed that whichever team had the ball last would be the team who pulled out a win. Tim Jones would hit two free throws to make it a 71-70 game. With just 2.2 seconds left., Corey Pelham would miss his first free throw, but hit his second to make it 72-70, Tim Jones then had to take a half court heave that went left, ending the Royals three game winning streak.
LEADING SCORERS
Virginia Wesleyan- Tim Fisher- 22, Corey Pelham- 19, Omari DeVeaux- 11
Eastern Mennonite- Tim Jones- 23, Landon Swingler- 14, Avwie Mahlong- 12
LEADING REBOUNDERS
Virginia Wesleyan- Tim Fisher- 10, Corey Pelham- 8, Omari DeVeaux- 6
Eastern Mennonite- Mark Burkholder- 10, Tim Jones- 5, Landon Swingler- 4
LEADING ASSISTS
Virginia Wesleyan- Corey Pelham- 4, Tim Fisher- 2, Miles Wallace, Jordan Crump- 1
Eastern Mennonite- Tim Jones- 7, Mizz Nyagwegwe- 2, Landon Swingler, DaiJordan Brown, Chris Simmons- 1
ROYALS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Tim Jones without a doubt was the best player on the floor. Continuing his efficient shooting stretch going 7-15 from the floor, he also got to the free throw line 11 times, hitting 8. Finishing the game with 23 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. The all-ODAC guard showed why he is respected by all who go into battle against the Runnin’ Royals.
