The Virginia Wesleyan University men's basketball team (11-5, ODAC 6-1) defeated ODAC opponent Eastern Mennonite University (5-12, ODAC 2-6) in Harrisonburg on January 23rd, 60-44.
Omari Deveaux lead the Marlins in scoring 28 points, shooting 9-for-13 from the field, 7-for-10 from the free throw line, had 10 rebounds, and two steals.
TJ East tallied eight points, shooting 2-for-4 from the field, 2-for-2 from the free throw line and grabbed three rebounds.
Demeir Pollard also added eight points to the score, shooting 2-for-7 from the field, 2-for-4 from the free throw line, had four rebounds, and one steal.
Both teams started the game strong and traded baskets in the first eight minutes. Eastern Mennonite took the lead by going on a 19-7 run in the following seven minutes to bring the score to 18-30 with 5:01 left in the half. Offense slowed for both teams in the closing minutes of the half, but EMU held onto its advantage, closing the period on a 5-3 run to take a 21-33 lead into halftime.
Eastern Mennonite struck first to open the second half, gaining the first points. However, the Marlins responded by going on a 16-1 run to take the 37-36 lead with 13:09 left in the game. Keeping this momentum, the Marlins continued to make shots, going on a 23-8 run to bring the score to 60-44 with four minutes left. Scoring stalled in the closing minutes as neither team found the basket, and the Marlins sealed a 60-44 win.
