The Eastern Mennonite Men’s Basketball team fell short of making an appearance in Salem for a chance in the ODAC Tournament after losing to Bridgewater 85-74. Despite the loss, things look promising for this Royals team, despite this being star guard Tim Jones’ last game for EMU. This marks the most in-conference wins the Royals have had in a season since the 2014-2015 season, going 8-8 in the ODAC, and finishing 10-14 overall. This was the final game for players Tim Jones, Chris Simmons, Myles Crawley, and Kobi Alexander
Tim Jones’ brilliance was on display for one last time in Yoder Arena, after scoring 23 points on 9-5 shooting, while also dishing out 7 assists and grabbing 7 rebounds. It was a bittersweet end to the career of one of EMU’s finest players. Jones finishes his EMU career 17th in total points and 3rd in assists according to emuroyals.com.
Both teams struggled on offense at the start of the game, as no points were scored for 2:04 minutes into the game, as Tim Jones would hit two free throws to give EMU the first 2 points of the game. At the 14:56 mark, EMU held a 10-8 advantage over Bridgewater when freshman forward Landon Swingler threw down an electrifying dunk to give EMU a 12-8 lead that got Yoder Arena pumped up. Later in the first half, the Royals held a 9 point lead, leading 28-19, until an 18-2 run from Bridgewater gave the Eagles new life in the game. At the half, Bridgewater held a 48-42 lead over EMU. Guards Shod Smith and Zach Hatter had 14 and 16 points, combining for 30 of Bridgewater’s 48 points. Royals star Tim Jones had 16 of his own at the half as the two rival schools would continue to clash for the rest of the game. Early into the second half EMU would take a 55-52 point lead over the Eagles as it felt like this game was going to come down to the last few seconds. Sadly that wasn’t the case. Bridgewater eventually led 71-66 with 7:50 seconds left in the game. From that point on, EMU went cold and only score eight points in for the rest of the game. Zach Hatter and Shod Smith continued to lead the Eagles as Hatter finished with 33 points, and Smith finished with 22 points.
EMU’s offense stalling kept them from making the travel to Salem to play #1 Randolph-Macon, as Bridgewater would eventually win 85-74 on the road. This marked the end of a relatively successful Royals season. EMU went 5-3 in their last 8 games, giving Royals fans hope, as the Royals will return a lot of key depth for next season. EMU fans can now look forward to the Spring sports season, as basketball and other Winter sports have come to an end.
LEADING SCORERS
Bridgewater- Zach Hatter- 33, Shod Smith- 22, Aaron Oates- 10
Eastern Mennonite- Tim Jones-23, Aview Mahlong- 14, Mark Burkholder- 11
LEADING REBOUNDERS
Bridgewater- Alec Topper- 16, Shod Smith- 8, Aaron Oates- 5
Eastern Mennonite- Mark Burkholder- 8, Tim Jones- 7, Landon Swingler- 4
LEADING ASSISTERS
Bridgewater- Shod Smith- 10, Andy Pack- 2, Aaron Oates- 1
Eastern Mennonite- Tim Jones- 7, Aviwe Mahlong- 2, DaiJordan Brown- 2
ROYALS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Tim Jones once again was the best player on the floor for EMU. Jones had a near triple double in his last game for EMU. Jones looked unguardable for the entire game, as he slashed to the basket effortlessly. What a career it was for Jones.
