SALEM, Va. --- A short-handed Roanoke squad was defeated by #16 Eastern Mennonite, 123-73 in its regular-season home finale Saturday evening at the Bast Center. The Maroons dropped to 6-17 overall, 3-11 in the ODAC. The Royals improved to 18-3, 11-2 to tie Virginia Wesleyan for the top spot in the conference standings.

It was the final home game for seniors, Kendrick Chittock (Auburn, OH, University School), Gio Forte (Manchester, MD, River Hill)and Chris Herron (Virginia Beach, VA, Kempsville), who were recognized before tip-off. All three earned a starting nod from head coach Page Moir, who has a 100% graduation rate in his 21 years at Roanoke College.

The Maroons played tonight without their starters Melvin Felix (Caguas, Puerto Rico, Salem)(injury) and Logan Singleton (Roanoke, VA, Hidden Valley)(illness). Owning a 56-15 all-time record against EMU since 1965-66, the series has been tight in recent years. Roanoke has a slim, 7-6 series lead against the Royals since 2004.

In the seventh game against a top-25 ranked team this season, the Maroons blistered the nets in the first half, shooting 58.1% from the floor. The Royals, ranked second in the nation in scoring and third in scoring margin, posted better numbers. EMU shot 58.3% from the field, 60% from beyond the arc (9-of-15) and 12-for-12 from the line to take a 63-45 halftime lead.

EMU continued to shoot well in the second stanza, shooting 62.2% overall, including 8-for-9 from the charity stripe. For the game, the Royals finished 60.3% from the floor, 62.5% from three-point range and 95.2% from the free-throw line.

The Maroons outrebounded EMU, 34-31 and held a 20-10 advantage in second chance points. The Royals outscored RC, 52-34 in the paint and 39-16 in points off turnovers. They also dished out 24 assists and forced 24 turnovers along with 12 steals.

Roanoke was led by Chittock and Parrish Walker (Greensboro, NC, Dudley), who combined for 35 points. Kwasi Amponsah (Woodbridge, VA, Garfield)finished with 11 points and three assists. Adam Kessler added eight points, three rebounds and two assists. Dustin DeMaria (Newport, NC, Fork Union Millitary Academy (VA))had career-highs of six points and two three-pointers. Danny Schmitt (Ashland, VA, Patrick Henry)blocked two shots, a career-best.

EMU had six players in double-figures, led by George Johnson with 23 points. He shot 6-for-8 from three-point range and pulled down five rebounds. Orie Pancione tossed in 18 counters followed by Todd Phillips with 16 makers, six assists and three steals. DJ Hinson and Eli Crawford had 15 points each. Crawford also dished out a game-high seven assists off the bench. Austin Twine finished with 13 points and four steals.

The men will travel to Lexington, VA to take on Washington & Lee in ODAC action. The Maroons defeated the Generals, 60-59 last month. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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