Box Score HARRISONBURG, Virginia - Behind 22 points from Tim Fisher and 19 from Corey Pelham, the Virginia Wesleyan men's basketball team defeated the Royals of Eastern Mennonite University 72-70 on Wednesday evening in ODAC competition in Harrisonburg, VA. 

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Virginia Wesleyan 72 - Eastern Mennonite 70
Records: Virginia Wesleyan 12-9, 8-4 | Eastern Mennonite 8-11, 6-6
Location: Yoder Arena | Harrisonburg, VA

INSIDE THE SCORE
After the Marlins got out to an early 5-2 lead, the Royals came back on a 12-4 run taking the 14-9 lead as the clock ticked under the 13 minute mark. An EMU three-point gave the home team an eight-point lead, 17-9, but VWU responded on a 9-2 run pulling within one point, 19-18, just before the clock hit nine minutes left in the half. Just over a minute later, Tim Fisher scored a layup that knotted the score at 20 all. The Royals held a three point lead, 25-22 (4:40) but the Marlins were able to pull within one, 25-24 (2:25) on a layup from Fisher and later took the lead 27-25 with five seconds remaining before the buzzer following an Anthony Jackson three pointer off a Corey Pelham assist.

After the teams opened the second half trading baskets, the Marlins took a six point lead, 37-31, off an old-fashioned three-point play by Omari DeVeaux who connected on a layup and free throw with 17:35 on te clock. The Royals remained close behind the Marlins and several times saw the score even up seven times over a seven minute window. As the clock ticked down towards the seven minute mark, EMU tied the score one last time at 61 all. From there, Virginia Wesleyan managed to stay ahead of Eastern Mennonite for the remainder of the game with just a few points separating the Marlins from the Royals and VWU emerging on top with a narrow 72-70 victory. 

MARLIN LEADERS
The Marlins were led by Tim Fisher with 22 points and 10 rebounds while Corey Pelham added 19 points and eight rebounds. Omari DeVeaux joined Fisher and Pelham in double digits with 11 points. 

ROYALS LEADERS
The Royals were led by Tim Jones with 23 points. Landon Swingler added 14 and Aviwe Mahlong added 12. Mark Burkholder led the team with 10 rebounds. 

UP NEXT
Virginia Wesleyan and Eastern Mennonite are back at it again on Wednesday when the teams head to TowneBank Arena for take two at each other. Tip off is set for 5 PM in Virginia Beach, VA.