For the first time since 2022 and ninth time in program history, the Emory University men's basketball team captured the University Athletic Association championship following a 93-89 win over the University of Rochester Saturday afternoon at the Woodruff PE Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
With the win, coupled with a UChicago loss at WashU, the Eagles (22-3 overall, 12-2 UAA) secured the league's automatic bid for the NCAA Division III tournament and solidified their case for the tournament's No. 1 overall seed.
On a day where Emory recognized its outstanding four-member senior class, standouts Ben Pearce and Jair Knight led the way once more as the dynamic tandem combined for 55 points in the win over the Yellowjackets. Pearce dropped 32 points and recorded his second straight double-double with 10 assists while Knight went for 23 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals.
After moving into sole possession of first place on the school's all-time scoring list last Sunday, Pearce etched his name into the record books once more as he passed Romin Williams for most successful three-pointers with 248 in his career after adding another five to his tally on Saturday.
Junior Ethan Fauss added 19 points and six rebounds in the winning cause and sophomore Mario Awasum had a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
 The Yellowjackets started the afternoon with a quick 4-0 lead through 90 seconds but a Pearce and-one and a John Coppolino IV triple put the Eagles ahead moments later.
Emory continued the early pace and used a 15-4 run, highlighted by eight points by Fauss, to hold a 21-10 advantage. The Eagles saw their lead dip down to four at 32-28 but were able to close out the half strong, taking a 52-43 lead into the break.
The visitors scored 10 of the first 12 points in the return to the court to slash the Emory lead to 54-53. However, the Eagles responded with a Knight trey followed by an Awasum dunk and a layup from AJ Harris to extend the lead back to eight.
The teams traded mini-runs throughout the bulk of the second half prior to Rochester pulling to within three at 87-84. Despite the late push, Pearce and Fauss were able to seal the deal from the line as they went six-for-eight over the final minute to clinch the win and conference crown.
With the AQ locked up, the Eagles will wait to find out their opening round opponent when the tournament field is unveiled Monday afternoon at 1:00 PM on NCAA.com.
