The Emmanuel College Lions capped off an unthinkable season by bringing home the school’s first ever National Championship.  

The Lions won 25 games this year, including 12 of their last 14 and five in a row that led them to the championship.  The Lions beat two NCAA Division 2 teams in South regional to make it to the national tournament.  They beat Chowan for the regional championship after trailing by 18 with just 10 minutes left.  

The Lions traveled to Oakland City, Indiana for the Elite 8.  In the Elite 8 the Lions found themselves trailing by 10 with about 12 minutes to go before going on a 42-6 run to finish the game.  The Lions then held on for a 4 point victory in the Final Four.  

In the finals the lions faced Nyack College, another NCAA Division 2 team, for the championship.  The Lions went down 7-0 to start the game before putting a 38—13 run on Nyack for an 18 point halftime lead.  Nyack clawed back but Emmanuel was able to hold on for a 67-62 win and the school’s first ever National Championship.  

Senior Jaeves McLendon was named All Tournament and Micah Hayes was named Tournament MVP.  The teams top two scorers, Teddy Hudson and Ben Brim, both received All-American Status; and Coach T.J. Rosene was named National Coach of the Year.

Congratulations to the EC Lions for an outstanding 2008-2009 season! For more information and photos, click here.