Pinehurst, NC - The Emory Oxford men's basketball team lost a close game to the 14th-ranked team in the nation, Sandhills Community College. With the game ending 87-82, the Eagles drop to 10-11, including 3-6 in conference play. The Flyers improve to 21-6 and remain a perfect 8-0 in the conference. 

Freshman Sean Osei paced four Eagles in double figures with a career-high 25 points while making four three-pointers. Classmate Nick Hardin produced his second-straight double-double with 13 points and ten rebounds. Sophomores Nick Nist and Dante Conley-Leonardi provided consistent scoring with 14 and 12 points. 

The Eagles jumped out to an early 12-6 lead in the opening half, but the Flyers would answer and by the 6:53 mark, Emory Oxford's lead was down to two. The game was back-and-forth the rest of the half and eventually, the score was tied, 42 all at the break. The Eagles had another strong start in the second half, jumping out to a 57-51 lead. However, the Flyers used a 13-2 run to gain a five-point advantage with 8:33 to go. The Eagles could not find a way to tie or regain the lead and eventually fell 87-82. 

The Eagles will return home on Tuesday (Feb. 8th) against New Rock Prep. The game will begin at 7:00 PM. Fans will now be allowed back in Williams Gym with the requirement that they wear masks regardless of vaccination status.