HARRISONBURG, Va. – Host Eastern Mennonite had a big second half Wednesday to earn an 86-72 ODAC men's basketball victory over Shenandoah University in the league opener for both schools.
 
The 48-point second half allowed EMU (3-3, 1-0 ODAC) to overcome a 40-point effort from SU junior Jaylen Williams.
 
IN BRIEF
Williams, the 2019 ODAC Rookie of the Year, poured in the career-high 40 points on 18-of-22 shooting from the field (three 3-pointers) and a 1-of-2 from the line. He also added six rebounds and four assists in 36 minutes of play.
 
The Triangle, Virginia native set new career highs in points and field goals made while equaling his previous career best in field goals attempted and 3-pointers. His previous career high in points was 30 set in a 93-62 win over Gallaudet ten days ago.
 
With the game tied at 64-64 with 8:06 remaining, Eastern Mennonite pulled away from Shenandoah (1-5, 0-1) with a 14-2 run over the next 4:05 of game time. SU went 1-for-6 from the field during this period with a Deondre McNeill jumper the squad's lone bucket.
 
The Royals then scored eight of the game's final 14 points to close out the victory.
 
Both teams shot exceptionally well from the field with SU 32-of-62 (52 percent) and EMU 53 percent (36-of-68). Rebounds were close as well with the Royals pulling down 33 of the game's 65 boards.

Eastern Mennonite fueled at that 48-point second half on 56 percent (20-of-36) shooting.
 
UP NEXT
Shenandoah hosts Ferrum on Saturday at 2 in its home ODAC opener. The game is also the lid-lifter in a doubleheader with the SU women. The Shenandoah women take on Hollins at 4:30.
 
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