The No. 4 ranked Emory University men's basketball team crossed the century mark in its season opener Monday night, winning wire-to-wire in a 105-69 verdict over visiting Piedmont University at the Woodruff PE Center in Atlanta.
The Eagles were led by standout performances by senior Ethan Fauss and junior Harris Jackson who combined for 42 of the team's 105 points. Fauss netted a game-high 22 points in 26 minutes while pulling down a game-leading 13 rebounds to go along with three blocks, three assists and two steals. Jackson went for a career-high 20 points on 8-for-10 shooting including 3-for-3 from distance and doled out a team-high four assists. The duo were joined in double figures by junior Mario Awasum who posted 12 points and swatted a game-high four shots.
"Exciting to get the season started tonight," said Head Coach Jason Zimmerman after the game. "Defensive presence was consistent throughout the game and was nice to see several standout performances."
Fauss and Awasum sank the first two baskets of the night to help Emory spark a 10-2 run before Piedmont called a timeout just 2:35 into the evening. The Eagles' lead quickly grew to 17 with a Spencer Hall tip-in to make it 22-5 with 12:58 to go in the half. Emory led by as many as 19 in the opening half when Fauss sank one of his two triples to make it 37-18 at the 5:53 mark before the team took a 49-34 edge into the halftime break.
Emory's defensive pressure continued to be too much for the Lions in the second half as the Eagles limited Piedmont to just 28.5% shooting after the break and outscored the Lions by 21 with the lead growing to as many as 38 points before settling on the final margin.
The Eagles has 12 players find the scoring column in the win and shot 53.2% collectively from the floor while outgaining Piedmont on the glass 61-36 and recording 10 blocks as a team.
Next up for Emory will be a meeting against Berry College this Friday, November 13th with tip off scheduled for 5:30 PM in Rome.
