Emory Men's Basketball Wins Fifth Straight

DRUID HILLS — The Eagles (18-4, 9-2) won their fifth straight game Sunday afternoon in an unconventional fashion, 91-87 over the visiting University of Chicago Maroons (8-14, 5-6).

Leading by as many as 17 points in the second half, the Maroons went on a 27 to eight run in a roughly seven minute span to take the lead and force the contest into overtime.

“They played a lot better in the second half and we didn’t play very well in the second half,” Emory head coach Jason Zimmerman said. “They had a lot to do with that. But I thought we kept fighting, we could have packed it in. But we found a way. That’s what you’ve got to do.”

In spite of blowing a drastic lead and letting the game slip away, Emory continued to fight. The Eagles eventually matched their opponent’s intensity in the waning minutes to come up with crucial stops and converting with even more crucial shots.           

“I think this team has shown a lot of character all year. I wish we would have shown it in the second half a little bit more,” Zimmerman said.

Emory point guard Austin Claunch led the Eagle attack once again with a 26 point and seven assist performance. Senior Julien Williams added 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Williams continues to be one of the hottest hands for Emory as the season and his playing career wind down.

“Williams has been unbelievable these last eight games. He’s been a senior leader,” Zimmerman said.

Over his last eight games, the Potomac, Maryland native has averaged 14 points and five rebounds a game.

Chicago was led by Matt Johnson’s 20-point afternoon and Chase Davis’ 19-point day.

Emory has just three games remaining on their schedule. The Eagles play on the road this weekend at Case Western Reserve and Carnegie Mellon before returning home for their final game against Rochester on Feb. 26.