MARIETTA, Ohio – #1 ranked Randolph-Macon earned an 88-74 win over #13 Emory in the third game of the day at the Great Lakes Invitational tournament, hosted at Marietta College on Friday (Nov. 19) evening.  The Yellow Jackets improved their record to 4-0 overall and the Eagles are now 1-1 on the season.  

Randolph-Macon Head Coach Josh Merkel said, "Loved the atmosphere, and thanks to Marietta College for hosting such a great tournament.  We played with great focus and energy against a team that can really fight."     

Randolph-Macon jumped out to an early 12-0 lead through the first four minutes of play.  The early Yellow Jacket lead was sparked by six points from Buzz Anthony, and four points from Miles Mallory.  

Emory was able to trim the edge to 16-8 at the 13:05 minute mark in the first half.  Randolph-Macon immediately answered with a 12-0 run to push their lead to 28-8 with just over nine minutes to play in the half.  Anthony and David Funderburg led the run with six and four points respectively.  

The final nine minutes of the half were a back and forth battle, as the Eagles outscored the Yellow Jackets, 21-18.  Cale Martens and Matthew Schner led the way for Emory, with 10 and eight points over the final nine minutes of the half.  Randolph-Macon held a 46-29 edge at the intermission.

Emory opened the second half on a 13-6 run, that trimmed the Yellow Jackets lead to 52-42, five minutes into the second half.  Schner highlighted the run with seven points during the run.  

Schner said "We came out with a little more toughness in the second half.  They are a good tough team, but we needed to be better at the start of the game."

The next five minutes of the game were back and forth action, as Randolph-Macon maintained a 58-47 edge, with just under 11 minutes to play in the game.  The Yellow Jackets had an answer for every possible Eagle run, and was able to maintain a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the game.  Randolph-Macon won the game, 86-74.   

Emory Head Coach Jason Zimmerman, "Want to thank Marietta for having us.  It's a great venue, tournament, and it's a classic division-III tournament.  We appreciate the opportunity to come, but wanted a different outcome."  We need to improve, we need to compete better, we need to enjoy the game, but I am proud of our effort tonight."  

The Yellow Jackets will square off with third ranked Marietta College on Saturday (Nov. 20) evening, with tip off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.