Emory Oxford Men's Basketball Wins Tough Road Test

Emory Oxford Men's Basketball Wins Tough Road Test

HIGHLIGHTS

Brookhaven, GA – Using an 18-0 run in the second half, the Emory Oxford men's basketball team truimphed over Oglethorpe University Reserve Squad. With this 79-71 decision, the Eagles improve to 15-5 for the season.

The Eagles had four players in double figures and were led by first-year JJ Halaby who finished with a near triple-double. Halaby had 26 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals. Sophomore Eric Lee had a big night with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while going 3 for 4 from behind the arc. Sophomore captain Zane Patel had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and had a big dunk which sparked the Eagles in the second half. First-year Jermon Clark also had a double-double scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 boards.

In the first-half, the Eagles found themselves trailing, as the Stormy Petrels were red hot from behind the arc. Oglethorpe shot nearly 59% as they made 10 total threes in the half. Meanwhile, the Eagles were held to only 29% from the field as they went into halftime down by 14.

In the second half, the Eagles looked like a different team as they went on the offensive and used an 18-0 run to bring them back in the game. Halaby made a few steals that led to fast break opportunities, while Lee scored 10 of the 18 points in that run. The Stormy Petrels went cold, as they were held to 18% from behind the arc and only made 3 three-pointers. A key difference in Oxford's win was the free-throw battle. The Eagles went to the free-throw line 26 times converting on 20 attempts, while the Stormy Petrels went 4 of 8 from the charity stripe.

"Our guys had a slow start in the first-half, and it seem like Oglethorpe was making everything they shot," commented Roderick Stubbs, Head Coach. "But we came out with a mindset to defend, and fought our way back into the game. This was a good test for us as we prepare for West Georgia on Saturday."

The Eagles will be back in action on Saturday, January 26th against conference rival West Georgia Technical College. This will be Oxford's first conference game and tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.