The No. 7 ranked Emory University men's basketball team concluded the 2025 calendar with an exclamation point Tuesday afternoon as the Eagles steamrolled No. 16 Hampden-Sydney, 101-73, in the final game of the Emory Holiday Classic in Atlanta.
Senior duo Ben Pearce and Jair Knight were tremendous in the win as the electrifying combo established a new Emory record for most combined points between a pair of teammates, scoring 64 points as the tandem nearly outscored the entire H-SC roster. Pearce matched a career-high with 35 points in the outing, moving into fourth place on the school's all-time scoring list at 1,617 points – 13 points away from Emory Hall of Famer Spiros Ferderigos for third place. Pearce added a season-high 11 assists for his first double-double of the year. For Knight, he tied a season-high with 29 points and had a team-leading three steals.
"I have been impressed with our last few performances, especially our two wins at home this week," said Head Coach Jason Zimmerman. "We have played with great purpose, stayed connected with each other, and have continued to grow into the team they want to become."
The Eagles were dominant soon after the opening whistle once again as Emory ripped off a quick 16-0 run after going behind 4-2, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The first half was some of the best stretch put forth by the Eagles this season as Emory led by 20 points nine minutes into the game at 30-10 and led by as much as 30 points at 52-22 prior to the halftime break.
Three straight triples to begin the second half from Pearce and junior Ethan Fauss boosted the advantage to 37 at 61-24 as the Eagles cruised to the 28-point victory with the lead never dipping below 24 points for the remainder of the half.
The Eagles shot 50.0% from the floor for the second straight game and fifth time this season. Pearce and Fauss both recorded double-doubles in the win with Fauss collecting a team-high 12 rebounds to go along with four assists and two blocks. Sophomore Mario Awasum added double figures in rebounding with 11 couples with six points and two blocks.
"We're excited to build off this week as we finish non-conference schedule on Saturday and start conference play soon after," Zimmerman continued.
Emory will make the short trek to Brookhaven this Saturday, playing Oglethorpe University at 4:00 PM on January 4th.
