MARIETTA, Oh. - For the second straight game at the Marietta Shrine Tournament, the Redhawks found themselves in a close battle with a new opponent. Today, it was the Eastern Mennonite Royals from Harrisonburg, VA. The non-conference match had an astonishing 18 lead changes and 13 ties. Despite four Redhawks scoring in double-digit figures, EMU came out on top in today's match, 84-76. This weekend's games against MSJ and EMU were decided by 11 points collectively.
The Redhawks, now 0-2 on the year, have shot well in both contests this season (40% FG), but their opponents have shot better (46% FG). Between both games, LRU has only made three less fields goals than their competition.
Junior forward Tyler Frederick recorded his second straight double-double tonight posting team-highs in both points (24) and rebounds (14). His 24 points on the night is a new career-high. In two games this season, Frederick is averaging a monstrous 20.0 PPG (5th in AMCC) & 14.5 RPG (1st in AMCC). The Junior shot 11-19 from the field (58%) and also picked up a steal. His performances this weekend earned him a spot on the All-Tournament team.
Kennedy Smith, Darius Lawrence and Austin Hannes all scored in double-digit figures for the second straight contest. (Smith: 14, Lawrence: 16, Hannes: 15). Frederick, Smith, Lawrence and Hannes have scored 128 of La Roche's 145 total points (88%) this season. Smith's 14 points are a new career-high in a single game.
LRU headed into the second-half tied with EMU 35-35. The Redhawks were 2-11 from beyond the arc in the first twenty minutes of action.
The Redhawks held a 62-61 lead over the Royals with 6 minutes left to play in the second-half. EMU would then go on a 9-2 run and never looked back.
This is La Roche's first 0-2 start since the 2015-16 season.
Final: La Roche: 76, Eastern Mennonite: 84
Records: La Roche (0-2), Eastern Mennonite (1-3)
NEXT UP: LRU will compete at the annual Geneva Classic next Friday (11/22) and Saturday (11/23). Their first game will be against the Grove City Wolverines Friday, November 22nd at 5:30 p.m.