Eagles Lose In Overtime to Maranatha

Coming off their double overtime loss to Kansas Christian on Saturday, Emmaus came into their next game against Maranatha looking to bounce back before the Christmas break.  Little did they realize that another overtime loss was in store for them on a cold December night.

The game got off in Maranatha's favor as the Sabercats got out to a 14 point lead in the first half.  But the Eagles hung around and began to chip away at the lead as they continued to hit three pointer after three pointer to make their move.  Steve Horan hit four of the eight first half long range shots the Eagles made and going into the break, Maranatha held only a three point lead, 34-31.  

After the break, the Eagles got the lead and at one time increased it to a nine point advantage.  But the Sabercats clawed back into it little by little led by their quick point guard.   Cody Cunard and Horan each went 3-5 from three point range in the second half to led the Eagle attack and Elijah Reeves grabbed four offensive rebounds to help keep possessions alive.  When the horn sounded, neither team could distance themselves from the other and into overtime they went.

In the overtime period, neither team could separate from the other and it was tight going into the final minutes.  With a one point deficit and under a minute to play the Eagles missed on their last full possession and had to foul with 1.7 seconds left on the clock.  The Sabercats made one out of two from the line and the Eagles opportunity to tie or go ahead was thwarted by the Sabercats defense.  The Eagles had lost another overtime heartbreaker by a score of 78-76.

Horan led the Eagles scoring with 25 points and Cunard added 17 with Caleb Postma contributing 11.  Nathaniel Glidewell led the rebounding division with 8 boards while Cunard grabbed 7.  The Eagles assisted on 22 of their 27 baskets.  

The next game for the Eagles will be Monday night, December 12, here in Dubuque, at Clarke University, at 6:00.  This will be their last game before Christmas break and Final Exams.  Thanks for your support of Eagle Basketball.