2007-08 Headlines

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL NAMES WILL ROBERSON ASSISTANT COACH

(July 1, 2008) - Emory University head men’s basketball coach Jason Zimmerman has announced the appointment of Will Roberson as assistant coach. Roberson takes over for Matt McKillop who recently accepted an assistant coaching position at Davidson College

Roberson’s most recent coaching stint took place during the 2006-07 campaign when he served as a graduate assistant at Clemson University.  During his one year with the Tigers, the program finished with an overall record of 25-11, tying the school record for most wins in a season, and advanced to the championship game of the National Invitation Tournament for the second time in school history.  Clemson opened the ’06-07 campaign with a 17-0 won-lost slate and was the last Division I team to lose a game that year.

Prior to his stint at Clemson, Roberson was the head coach at Frederica Academy in St. Simons, GA, where he directed the team to a third-place finish in the GISA Region 2-AA.

Roberson was the director of basketball operations at Davidson College for three seasons (2002-03 through 2004-05) where he had a hand in many facets of the program including scouting opponents, handling travel arrangements and film exchange and serving as team’s academic advisor.  Among his other responsibilities were co-directing Head Coach Bob McKillop’s basketball camps in the summers.  While Roberson was at Davidson in that capacity, the Wildcats compiled an overall record of 57-31 that included three straight Southern Conference regular-season titles. 

“Will’s experience in teaching and coaching student athletes at a variety of levels will be a great addition to our program, Zimmerman said. “His commitment to academic and athletic excellence is a great fit for Emory University and Emory basketball.”

The 2007-08 season marked the initial campaign of the Jason Zimmerman era as head coach of the Emory basketball program and the Eagles turned in a season that, while under .500, laid the foundation for a bright and successful future.

With just one starter returning from the ’06-07 team and a host of new faces to call upon, Emory ended the year with a deceptive won-lost record of 10-15, 3-11 in the University Athletic Association, a conference that sent four teams to NCAA Tournament play and that had four teams ranked among the nation’s top 25.  Despite battling more experienced and often taller opponents, Emory displayed a tenacious style of basketball that saw it stay within striking distance in numerous outings. Of the 11 setbacks in league games, five were by seven or fewer points with two of those affairs going into overtime.

For the record, Emory’s strength of schedule was ranked as the third-most difficult in the nation according to D3hoops.com and second toughest in the Massey Ratings.

Other notable tidbits from the 2007-08 season included:

** Defeating No. 1-ranked Rochester, 81-76 in overtime, before a raucous home crowd on Jan. 25, 2008.  It marked the program’s first-ever triumph over the nation’s top-ranked team.

** Playing a total of 11 games against six teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament. In addition to the eight contests against the four UAA schools that earned berths to the postseason, the Eagles split a pair of games against Maryville College (just one three losses suffered by the Scots all year) and battled No. 12-ranked Guilford and its 7-foot All-American Ben Strong.

** Closed out the 2007 portion of the schedule with a six-game win streak, Emory’s longest since the 2002-03 season.

** Led the UAA and finished 46th nationally in scoring offense with a 79.0 points per- game average.  The Eagles also paced the conference in scoring in league affairs with a 76.6 per-game effort.  Zimmerman’s up-tempo and aggressive style on the offensive end of the floor resulted in Emory recording three of the UAA’s top five single-game point totals in ’07-08; 106 vs. Oglethorpe (Dec. 15), 100 vs. Maryville (Dec. 8) and 99 vs. Case Western (Jan. 12).

** Topped the UAA and finished 55th on the national scene with a 73.1 percent mark from the free throw line.  In conference play, the Eagles knocked down a league-leading 73.5 percent from the charity stripe.

** Finished second on the school’s seasonal list with 400 free throws, just six shy of the top mark of 406 set during the 1992-93 season.

** Averaged 15.2 assists per game, the highest total since 2001-02 and good for third place on the school’s seasonal chart.

Senior Spiros Ferderigos capped off one of the great careers in Emory history in grand style, pacing the team in scoring for the second straight season with an 18.1 per-game average, good for the No. 2 spot on the UAA list.  The 6-foot-1 Ferderigos, garnered a first-team berth on the All-UAA Team and became the first Emory cager to be recognized by the NABC since Tim Garrett (1990) when he was chosen as a Second-Team All-South District Team member.  Ferderigos, the conference’s second-leading point producer in league contests (18.0 ppg), scored in double figures in 22 games and posted nine efforts of 20 or more points.  Ferderigos led or shared for the team’s scoring lead on 16 occasions including a season-high 32 points against Oglethorpe that ranked as the squad’s highest individual point total of the year.  He furthered enhanced his reputation as one of the best all-around players in the UAA by ranking prominently in numerous statistical categories including rebounding (8th, 6.2 rpg), free throw percentage (6th, .789), steals (2nd, 2.04 spg) and offensive rebounds (4th, 2.52 orpg).  He established school seasonal records in both free throws (146) and free throw attempts (183) and chalked up five performances of 10 or more makes from the charity stripe.  His 453 total points in ’07-08 ranked him fifth on the Eagles’ list while his scoring average of 18.1 per game was good for seventh position. 

Career-wise, Spiros firmly entrenched himself on a bevy of all-time lists at Emory including scoring (2nd, 1630 pts.), scoring average (3rd, 16.6 ppg), field goals (5th, 489), field goal attempts (4th, 1085),  field goal percentage (16th, .451), three-point field goals (5th, 157), three-point percentage (10th, .365), free throws (1st, 495), free throw attempts (1st, 600), free throw percentage (.6th, .825), rebounds (4th, 560 rebs.), rebound average (10th, 5.7 rpg), assists (5th, 288), steals (1st, 201) and steals per game (3rd, 2.1 spg).

After being sidelined with a season-ending injury just nine games into the 2006-07 campaign, Anthony Fernandez bounced back with a memorable campaign that saw him emerge as a consistent scoring threat and hard-nosed rebounder.  More often than not, the 6-foot-3 Fernandez battled taller and more experienced players but still managed to haul down a team-leading 6.6 rebounds per outing, good for sixth place among UAA players.  Fernandez, an honorable-mention pick to the All-UAA Team, led or shared for the club’s lead in boards in 11 games and chalked up six double-figure efforts in that category.  Fernandez’s offensive game blossomed and saw him average 14.1 points per game, second on the Emory scoresheet and ninth on the UAA chart.  A starter in 23 of the 24 games he saw action in, he scored in double figures in 19 contests and closed out the year by scoring 10 or more points in his last 12 outings including four performances of 20 or more points.  His scoring pace picked up during the conference portion of the schedule with his 16.0 per-game showing placing him fifth on the league’s ladder.

Junior John Kresse gave the Eagles a big boost with steady play from his point guard post.  The 6-foot-3 Kresse played in all 25 games, 24 in a starting capacity, and doled out a team-high 4.40 assists per game, good for second place among UAA players.  Kresse was the team’s top assists man in 16 games and his season total of 110 tied him for fifth place on the school’s seasonal list.  Playing with an increasing amount of savvy every time he took to the court, his 2.16 assist/turnover ratio placed him third in the UAA.  While running the Emory offense with deft precision, he also tossed in 7.1 points while logging 27.6 minutes per game.

Freshman Julien Williams  provided Emory fans an optimistic glimpse of the future after drawing starting assignments in 22 of 23 games and averaging 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds with his board total placing him third on the team and 14th in the UAA.  The explosive 6-foot-2 Williams came through with eight double-figure scoring performances including a season-high 18-point effort against Maryville College on Dec. 8.  The first-year cager also played a big role in the win over No. 1-ranked Rochester with his lone double-double of the season, a 17-point, 12-rebound evening in the 81-76 overtime triumph. 

After seeing sporadic action as a freshman, sophomore sharpshooter Daniel Curtin made the most of his playing time as a key reserve.  Coming off the bench in every Emory game, the 6-foot Curtin wound up third on the team in scoring with an 8.9 points per game average.  His long-range shooting kept opponents off balance and he ended the year shooting a team-best 39.1 percent (45-of-115) from three-point range, good for 11th place among UAA players.  He converted two or more treys in 11 contests including a career-high seven against New York University (Feb. 1), tying for second most in Emory history. Curtin notched double-figure point production in nine games including a pair of 20-plus point efforts.  His 45 three pointers ranked among the top 20 seasonal marks at Emory and his 1.8 treys per game slotted him 10th in the league in ’07-08.

Junior Brian Giometti, a transfer from the University of Denver, was another of the reserves who made an impact, averaging 20.6 minutes per stint while playing in all 25 contests.  The 6-foot-1 Giometti gave the Eagles an athletic performer who ranked fourth on the team’s scoring list with an 8.2 points per-game average.  He finished with 11 double-figure scoring performances (seven in UAA games) including a season-high 16 points against Case Western on Jan. 12.  Giometti displayed to hit the three-ball as well, knocking down 36.9 percent (38-of-103) from distance and registering 13 outings of two or more three-pointers.

Joining Ferderigos as other members of the Emory senior class were Seth Kramer (Winter Park, FL), Austin DeAngelis (St. Augustine, FL), Claude Pardue, Jr. (Myrtle Beach, SC) and Dan Smith (Weston, FL).  Smith paced the team and finished third in the UAA with a keen mark of 85.9 percent (55-of-64) from the free throw line.  The 5-foot-10 Smith finished his two-year career as the school’s career leader with an 88.3 percent showing from the charity stripe (83-of-94).

All-District (South)
Spiros Ferderigos                     Second Team               Oldsmar, FL

All-University Athletic Association
Spiros Ferderigos                     First Team                    Oldsmar, FL
Anthony Fernandez                   Honorable Mention       Miami, FL

UAA Player of the Week
Anthony Fernandez                   (Jan. 28, 2008)             Miami, FL
Spiros Ferderigos                     (Dec. 17, 2007)           Oldsmar, FL

D3hoops.com Team of the Week
Spiros Ferderigos                     (Dec. 10-16, 2007)      Oldsmar, FL
Anthony Fernandez                   (Jan.  21-27, 2008)      Miami, FL

CoSIDA Academic All-District
John Kresse                      Second Team               Charleston, SC

EMORY’S SPIROS FERDERIGOS EARNS SPOT ON NABC DISTRICT TEAM

(Mar. 24) - Emory University senior Spiros Ferderigos (Oldsmar, FL) has been recognized by National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) for his outstanding 2007-08 season by earning a berth on the organization’s All-District team.

The 6-foot-1 Ferderigos was selected as a second-team member to the All-South District Team, becoming the first Emory player to be recognized by the NABC since 1990 when Tim Garrett was selected to the first team.

Ferderigos, a First Team All-University Athletic Association honoree, enjoyed an excellent all-around season, with his team-high 18.1 points per game average good for the No. 2 spot among UAA players.  Ferderigos, who finished his career as the school’s No. 2 all-time leading scorer with 1,630 points, registered double-digit scoring in 22 of 25 outings and produced nine contests of 20 or more points.  One of the league’s most versatile cagers, he ranked prominently in a number of statistical categories during the regular season including rebounding (8th, 6.2 rpg), free throw percentage (t-6th, .798), field goal percentage (10th, .489), steals (2nd, 2.04 spg) and minutes (10th, 30.12 mpg). He led or shared for the team’s scoring lead on 16 occasions and was the squad’s top rebounder in seven contests. He registered five double-doubles and led all UAA players with a school-record 146 free throws.  

His 453 total points represented the fifth-highest mark in school history while his 51 steals tied for seventh. 

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL CLOSES OUT SEASON AT CASE WESTERN
           
GAME FACTS –  The Emory University men’s basketball team closes out the 2007-08 season this Saturday (Mar. 1) when it plays at Case Western Reserve University.  The Veale Convocation will be the site of the 32nd meeting between the programs and tip is slated for noon.

THE COACHES – Leading the Emory program is first-year Head Coach Jason Zimmerman (Davidson, ’94)  Named head coach in April, Zimmerman came to Emory after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Evansville (2003-04 through 2006-07).  Prior to his stint with the Aces, Zimmerman was an assistant at Davidson College for seven years (1996-97 through 2002-03).

Sean McDonnell (Boston College, ’96) is in his fifth season as head coach of the Case program.  Prior to his appointment at CWRU, he served as the head coach at Hiram College for three seasons,

2007-08 RECORDS – Emory heads into the final contest of the year looking to snap an eight-game losing streak that has dropped its overall record to 10-14, 3-10 effort in league play. The Eagles came out on the short end of a pair of road games last weekend, 78-70 at Carnegie Mellon and 76-63 at No. 14 Rochester.

Case Western entertains the Eagles with an overall record of 7-17, 0-13 in UAA action.  The Spartans lost at Rochester, 75-56, and Carnegie Mellon, 70-66, last weekend.

SERIES RECORDS –  In a series that began in 1987, Emory holds an all-time mark of 16-15 against Case Western.  Emory won the initial meeting of this season in Atlanta, 99-92.  Senior Spiros Ferderigos and sophomore Anthony Fernandez led the Eagles’ scoring attack with 19 points apiece.

FERDERIGOS CLIMBS INTO NO. 2 SPOT ON EMORY’S ALL-TIME SCORING LIST  – In last Sunday’s game at Rochester, senior Spiros Ferderigos finished with a team-high 18 points and moved into the No. 2 spot on the school’s all-time scoring list. The 6-foot-1 Ferderigos moved ahead of Chase Fawsett’s (2001-05) mark of 1,591 points and heads into his final college game with 1,601 points to his credit.  Holding down the No. 1 spot on that list is Tim Garrett (1986-90) with 1,875 points.

EMORY SCHEDULE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART  –  In this week’s listing of strength of schedule among Division III squads, Emory’s schedule is ranked as the toughest in the nation according to the Massey Ratings (http://www.mratings.com/rate.php?lg=cb&sub=III&mid=6) and as the second-most difficult in the nation according to D3hoops.com (http://www.d3hoops.com/salem/08/owp.htm).  The formula is based on opponents’ winning percentage as well opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage. 

FERNANDEZ PUTTING UP NUMBERS  – Sophomore Anthony Fernandez  ran his double-figure scoring streak to 11 games last weekend, registering 16 and 10 points against Carnegie Mellon and Rochester, respectively.  The 6-foot-3 Fernandez has chalked up 18 double-digit scoring performances this year and his 13.7 points per game average in overall play is good for the No. 2 spot on the team and No. 9 position among UAA players.  In conference contests, he is tossing in 15.5 points per effort, sixth on league ladder. 

FURTHER ON FERDERIGOS  – In addition to his ascension to the No. 2 spot on the school’s all-time scoring list, Spiros Ferderigos ranks prominently in other Emory career categories.  As he approaches his final game of his memorable career, other school all-time lists he is include free throws (1st, 490), free throw attempts (1st, 594),  scoring average (3rd, 16.5 ppg), rebounds (4th,  557), assists (5th, 282) and free throw percentage (5th , .825). In addition, he is tied with Paul Damm (1986-90) for the No. 1 spot on the school’s career chart in steals with 197. Spiros has at least one steal in 22 of the Eagles’ 23 games including 14 efforts of two or more.  During his tenure with Emory, Ferderigos has scored in double figures in 82 of 97 career contests.

Through games played Feb. 24, he tops the team and stands No. 3 in the UAA in overall scoring average (17.7 ppg) while holding down the No. 4 position for conference games (17.2 ppg).  He has scored in double figures in 21 games this season and produced eight contests of 20 or more points. In addition, he is seventh in the league in rebounding (6.4 rpg), sixth in free throw percentage (.797) and No. 2 in steals (1.96 spg).

EMORY NOTES –  Emory’s bench has outscored the opposition’s reserves in each of the last six games and is averaging 29.5 points in that stretch compared to the opponent’s 14.8 points … The Eagles have converted 449 free throws this season, third most in school history, and are four shy of moving into the No. 2 position …  Emory has converted 73.0 percent of its foul shots this year,  fifth on the school’s seasonal ladder … Through games played Feb. 24, Emory leads the UAA in overall scoring average (78.5 ppg) while its No. 2 conference mark  of 73.0 percent from the charity stripe is good for a
57th-place tie on the national scene … Freshman Julien Williams registered his eighth double-figure scoring effort of the season when he finished with 10 points against Carnegie Mellon  … Williams is averaging 5.1 rebounds per contest, good for 15th among UAA players ... Junior Brian Giometti  has scored in double figures in 11 games this season and has posted 13 contests of two or more treys … Giometti is averaging 1.54 treys per game, 15th on the UAA ladder … In the last five games, Emory is shooting a keen 80.0 percent from the foul line (72-of-90) … Sophomore Daniel Curtin ranks 13th in three-point field goal percentage (.389) and 11th in three pointers per game (1.75 tpg) … The Eagles have shot 50 percent or better from the floor in eight games this season vs. six times in ’06-07 … In its 10 victories, the Eagles have outrebounded the opposition by a 39.9-32.7 margin while showing a 36.4-34.2 deficit in their 10 setbacks … Emory is shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and averaging 90.3 points in its 10 wins while shooting 40.3 percent and averaging 70.0 points in its defeats  …Emory has an 8-4 ledger in games when it has outrebounded the opposition …  Junior John Kresse  finds himself tied for the No. 2 spot in the UAA in both assists (4.29 apg) and assist/turnover ratio (+2.10) … In conference games only, Kresse is dishing out a league best 4.92 assists per contest and ranks second in assist/turnover ratio (+2.91) … The Eagles have had players score in double figures on 83 occasions vs. 79 for the opposition.

EMORY MEN'S BASKETBALL TOPPED BY NO. 14 ROCHESTER – FERDERIGOS MOVES INTO No. 2 SPOT ON EMORY’S CAREER SCORING LIST

(Feb. 24) – Facing a 21-point deficit early in the second half, the Emory men’s basketball team mounted a determined rally but fell short in the comeback as No. 14-ranked Rochester recorded a 76-63 win Sunday afternoon.  The win upped Rochester’s record to 19-4, 8-5 in the University Athletic Association while Emory fell to 10-14 in overall action, 3-10 in the conference.

Emory senior Spiros Ferderigos led the rally that saw the Eagles draw to within nine points on five occasions in the second half, scoring 16 of his team-high 18 points over the final 20 minutes of action. In the process, Ferderigos moved into the No. 2 spot on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,601 points.  He passed Chase Fawsett’s career effort of 1,591 set from 2001-05.  Freshman Julien Williams and sophomore Anthony Fernadez each totaled double digits in scoring with 10 points apiece. 

The Yellowjackets shot 52.6 percent from the floor (30-of-57) in the game and drained 10 three-point field goals.  Emory finished the contest connecting on 39 percent (21-of-54) of its field goal opportunities. Rochester posted a 32-27 edge in rebounding.

Rochester held a 46-25 lead with 17:33 remaining in the contest before the Eagles began to whittle away at the gap. A three-pointer by senior Dan Smith drew Emory to within 13 points, 51-38, with 12:07 left on the clock while a three-pointer by Ferderigos cut the deficit to nine points, 56-47, with 8:43 to go. The Eagles would cut the margin to nine points on four more occasions, the last time being 64-55 with 3:28 remaining following a pair of charity tosses by Fernandez.

"Our team competed hard but the margin for error in this league is slim," head coach Jason Zimmerman said. "Playing without Spiros for a long period during the first half made that margin even slimmer. In the second half we made the game manageable but we couldn't seem to break that nine-point barrier.

"Rochester is very talented both inside and outside and it is more difficult to contest the outside shooters when its inside game is strong."

Rochester senior Rob Dominiak led all scorers with 20 points, hitting seven-of-12 from the floor, including six-of-10 from beyond the arc.  Junior Mike Chmielowiec chipped in 16 points.

Rochester shot 55 percent in the first half, knocking down 16-of-29 from the field.  The Yellowjackets also drained six three-point field goals during the opening 20 minutes of action and also enjoyed a 16-10 edge on the glass.  The Eagles hit just 34.7 percent (8-of-23) from the floor and were hampered by 10 turnovers.

Emory trailed by three points, 22-19, following a three pointer by junior Malick Valliani but three consecutive three-pointers by Dominiak keyed a 19-2 explosion over the final seven minutes of the stanza allowing the hosts to take a 41-22 lead at halftime.  Dominiak picked up 12 points in the first half while Chmielowiec added seven points. 

Emory closes out the year next Saturday (Mar. 1) with a game at Case Western Reserve.

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL PREPARES FOR ROAD GAMES vs.
CARNEGIE MELLON AND ROCHESTER
           
GAME FACTS –  With three games left on the docket, the Emory University men’s basketball team heads into the home stretch of its season this weekend when it prepares for a pair of University Athletic Association road contests.  On Friday, the Eagles invade Skibo Gymnasium on the Carnegie Mellon campus for an 8:00 p.m. tip before venturing to the Louis Alexander Palestra at the University of Rochester on Sunday in a noon start.

THE COACHES – Leading the Emory program is first-year Head Coach Jason Zimmerman (Davidson, ’94)  Named head coach in April, Zimmerman came to Emory after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Evansville (2003-04 through 2006-07).  Prior to his stint with the Aces, Zimmerman was an assistant at Davidson College for seven years (1996-97 through 2002-03).

Now in his 18th campaign as head coach at Carnegie Mellon, Tony Wingen (Springfield College, ’82) claims a school record of 204-239.  In 20 campaigns as a head coach, which includes a two-year stint at the University of the South (1988-89 thru 1989-90), Wingen claims a career mark of 225-267 heading into the weekend.

Mike Neer (Washington & Lee, ’70) is in his 31st season as head coach at Rochester. Heading into a Friday affair at Case Western Reserve, Neer has compiled a won-lost record of 509-297, and directed the Yellowjackets to a total of 10 NCAA Tournament appearances.  

2007-08 RECORDS – Emory starts the weekend looking to snap a six-game losing streak that has dropped its overall record to 10-12, 3-8 effort in league play. The Eagles
wound up the home portion of their schedule last weekend, coming out on the wrong end of an 87-73 decision to the University of Chicago on Friday before dropping a hard-fought 78-71 overtime verdict to then No. 7-ranked Washington University on Sunday.

Carnegie Mellon will play host to the Eagles with an overall record of 14-8, 4-7 in UAA action.  Last weekend, the Tartans won at NYU, 68-60, before dropping an 84-81 decision at Brandeis. CMU stands 7-2 this year in games played on its home floor.  

Heading into a Friday game against Case Western, the University of Rochester is ranked No. 14 in the nation by D3hoops.com, and stands 17-5 in overall play while claiming a conference-leading mark of 6-5.  The Yellowjackets have dropped their last three contests including a pair of road games last weekend, 68-64 to Brandeis and 92-85 in double overtime against NYU.

SERIES RECORDS –  In a series that began in 1987, Emory holds an all-time mark of 24-16 against Carnegie Mellon.  The Eagles won the first meeting this season, 89-85, in Atlanta with sophomore Anthony Fernandez leading the way with 23 points and eight rebounds.  The Tartans have won the last six meetings on their home floor and stand 13-7 against Emory.

In a series that has its origins in 1988, Rochester stands 26-15 against Emory.  The Eagles recorded an 81-76 overtime decision against then-ranked No. 1 Rochester earlier this year in Atlanta with senior Spiros Ferderigos notching 22 points in the win.  Rochester has claimed victories in 16 or 20 contests played on its home court including the last six encounters.

FERDERIGOS & FERNANDEZ TEAM UP FOR DOUBLE-DOUBLE  – Senior Spiros Ferderigos and sophomore Anthony Fernandez each posted a double-double in last Sunday’s game against Washington University with Ferderigos totaling 17 points and 12 rebounds en route to his fifth double-double of the campaign and Fernandez chalking up 12 points along with a season-high tying 12 boards in notching his third.

It marked the second time this season the pair each finished with a double-double in the same contest.  Back on December 15, Ferderigos came up with a season-high 32 points and 12 rebounds while Fernandez finished with 13 points and 12 boards in a 106-89 triumph over Oglethorpe University.

EMORY SCHEDULE RANKED AS TOUGHEST –  In this week’s listing of strength of schedule among Division III squads, Emory’s schedule is ranked as the most difficult in the nation.  The formula is based on opponents’ winning percentage as well opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage.  The information can be obtained by going to the following link --   http://www.d3hoops.com/salem/08/owp.htm

DeANGELIS SOLID OFF BENCH – Senior Austin DeAngelis,  one of five Emory players who were making their final home appearance in Sunday’s game against Washington University, gave the Eagles some solid play off the bench.  The 6-foot DeAngelis logged 17 minutes worth of action, tying his third-longest stint of the campaign, and registered a season-high five points while contributing a pair of assists and steals.  His contributions helped the Emory reserves finish with a 25-5 scoring edge against the Bears’ subs.

FERDERIGOS MARCHES ON – Senior Spiros Ferderigos totaled 39 points last weekend and in the process raised his career total to 1,561, good for the No. 3 spot on the school’s all-time list.  With three games left on the schedule, he is 31 points shy of moving past Chase Fawsett (2001-05) into the No. 2 spot on that list. Ferderigos has scored in double figures in 80 of 95 career contests.

As for other Emory career rankings, he is first in free throws (487), first in free throw attempts (591), third in scoring average (16.4 ppg), fifth in rebounds (549), assists (280) and free throw percentage (.824, 487-591) and second in steals with 194, just three thefts shy of tying Paul Damm’s (1986-90) first-place mark of 197.  Spiros has at least one steal in 20 of the Eagles’ 22 games including 13 contests of two or more. 

Through games played Feb. 17, he tops the team and stands No. 3 in the UAA in overall scoring average (17.5 ppg) while holding down the No. 4 position for conference games (16.6 ppg).  He has scored in double figures in 19 games this season and produced seven contests of 20 or more points. In addition, he is tied for sixth in the league in rebounding (6.5 rpg), sixth in free throw percentage (.793) and No. 2 in steals (2.00 spg).

EMORY NOTES –  Emory’s bench has outscored the opposition’s reserves in each of the last four games and is averaging 34.3 points in that stretch compared to the opponent’s 15.3 points … The Eagles have converted 422 free throws this season, seventh most in school history and are 17 shy of moving into the No. 3 position … Emory has converted 72.8 percent of its foul shots this year, fifth on the school’s seasonal ladder … Through games played Feb. 17, Emory leads the UAA and is tied for 46th nationally in scoring average (79.5 ppg) while its conference-leading 72.8 percent mark from the charity stripe is good for a 59th-place tie on the national scene … Freshman Julien Williams registered his seventh double-figure scoring effort of the season when he finished with 10 points against Chicago … Williams is averaging 5.3 rebounds per contest, good for 15th among UAA players … Junior Brian Giometti continued his offensive production off the bench against the Bears of Wash. U., registering 11 points, his 11th double-digit performance of the year … Giometti drained three three-point field goals in the game, his sixth straight and 13th performance of two or treys this season …  Giometti ranks 29th among UAA players in scoring average (8.6 ppg) and is 12th in three-point percentage (.396) … In the last three games, Emory is shooting a keen 81.8 percent from the foul line (45-of-55) … After being outrebounded by a 41-28 margin in the first game against Washington Univ., Emory finished with a 45-35 edge in Sunday’s contest, the biggest differential for the Eagles in a conference game this season … Sophomore Daniel Curtin ranks among the top 30 scorers in the UAA (27th, 9.5 ppg) and is tied for 10th in three-point field goal percentage (.398) … The Eagles have shot 50 percent or better from the floor in eight games this season vs. six times in 25 contests a year ago … In its 10 victories, the Eagles have outrebounded the opposition by a 39.9-32.7 margin while showing a 36.2-34.2 deficit in their 10 setbacks … Emory is shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and averaging 90.3 points in its 10 wins while shooting 40.5 percent and averaging 70.6 points in its 12 losses …Emory has an 8-4 ledger in games when it has outrebounded the opposition … Anthony Fernandez heads into the weekend with a team-high nine game double-figure scoring streak … Fernandez paced the Eagles’ scoring attack with a career-best 24 points against Chicago, his 16th double-digit effort of the year and third of 20 or more points … Through games played Feb. 17, the 6-foot-3 Fernandez stands No. 2 on the squad and ninth among UAA players in scoring average (13.8) … He has been the team’s top scorer in four games this year while pacing the squad in rebounds on nine occasions … Junior John Kresse (Charleston, SC) finds himself tied for the No. 2 spot in the UAA in assists (4.32 apg) and is No. 3 in assist/turnover ratio (+2.11) … In conference games only, Kresse is dishing out a league best 5.09 assists per contest and ranks third in assist/turnover ratio (+3.11) … The Eagles have had players score in double figures on 78 occasions vs. 74 for the opposition … Emory is averaging a league-best 19.2 free throws per game and also pace the conference with 26.4 attempts per contest.

EMORY MEN'S BASKETBALL EDGED BY NO. 7 RANKED WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY  

(Feb. 17) – Emory senior Spiros Ferderigos, playing in his final home game, totaled 17 points and 12 rebounds, his fifth double-double of the season, as the Eagles battled No. 7-ranked into overtime before coming out on the short end of a 78-71 decision.  The win upped Washington University’s record to 18-4, 9-2 in the University Athletic Association, while Emory slipped to 10-12 in overall action, 3-8 in the conference.

The scored was tied at 61-61 at the conclusion of regulation and the visiting Bears hit four-of-five field goal attempts and eight-of-12 from the foul line in outscoring Emory by a 17-10 margin. The Eagles hit just one-of-nine field goal opportunities in the extra session, though it did stay in the game on the strength of eight-of-eight free throw shooting.

Emory sophomore Anthony Fernandez aided in the effort by picking up 12 points and a season-high tying 12 rebounds, his third double-double of the year and fifth performance of double-digit boards.  Junior Brian Giometti scored all 11 of his points in the second half while freshman Julien Williams rounded out Emory’s double-figure scorers with 10 points.

After the teams battled to a 28-28 standoff after the opening 20 minutes of play, the Bears went on a 10-2 run to open the second half and take a 38-30 advantage with 14:40 remaining. However, the Eagles responded with an impressive 17-4 spurt over the next five minutes to take a 47-42 lead with 9:40 left on the clock.  Giometti was a spark in the onslaught, hitting a pair of three-point field goals, while Williams scored the last six points of the run, with four points coming on a pair of highlight-type dunks.

A basket by Fernandez kept the Eagles ahead by a 51-48 count with 6:58 remaining, but Washington scored the game’s next seven points to claim a 55-51 lead with 4:58 left.  Emory hung in and tied the game with 2:27 on the clock when Giometti knocked down his third trey of the contest.  After a basket by WU’s Tyler Nading  enabled the Bears to retake the lead with 2:03 left, Emory tied things up again with 42 ticks on the left after Spiros Ferderigos converted a pair of foul shots.   Giometti blocked an ensuing Washington shot attempt and the Eagles had the opportunity to win the game in regulation but could not convert its opportunity.

In the overtime, the Bears scored first and never trailed.  Holding a one-point advantage with 2:32 left, the visitors used a decisive 7-0 run, keyed by a three-pointer by Cameron Thompson, to push its margin to eight points.  Senior Troy Ruths led the winners with a game-high 24 points while junior Tyler Nading chipped in 19 points.

Emory returns to action next Friday evening (Feb. 22) with a road game at Carnegie Mellon.

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL WINDS UP HOME PORTION OF SCHEDULE
AGAINST CHICAGO AND WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
           
(Feb. 14) -- GAME FACTS –  The Emory University men’s basketball team winds up the home portion of the schedule this weekend when it welcomes a pair of University Athletic Association foes into the Woodruff PE Center.  On Friday, the Eagles battle the University of Chicago in an 8:00 p.m. start before taking on nationally ranked Washington University on Sunday (Feb. 17) in a noon tip.

Friday’s contest will be Senior Night with Emory recognizing the five-member senior class of Spiros Ferderigos, Seth Kramer, Dan Smith, Austin DeAngelis and Claude Pardue, Jr.

THE COACHES – Leading the Emory program is first-year Head Coach Jason Zimmerman (Davidson, ’94)  Named head coach in April, Zimmerman came to Emory after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Evansville (2003-04 through 2006-07).  Prior to his stint with the Aces, Zimmerman was an assistant at Davidson College for seven years (1996-97 through 2002-03).

Now in his ninth campaign as head coach at the University of Chicago, Mike McGrath (DePauw, ’92) checks into Friday’s action with a school and career record of 147-79.   He was tabbed as the 2006-07 UAA Coach of the Year after guiding the team to an overall record of 20-6 and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Mark Edwards (Washington University, ’69) is in his 27th season as head coach at Washington University.  Heading into a Friday game at Case Western Reserve, Edwards has compiled a won-lost record of 468-231 which includes a 218-68 effort in UAA play.  He has guided the program to nine seasons of 20 or more wins and has 12 NCAA Tournament appearances to his credit.

2007-08 RECORDS – Emory starts the weekend looking to snap a four-game losing streak that has dropped its overall record to 10-10, 3-6 in league play. The Eagles dropped a pair of road games last weekend, 90-85 in overtime to No.10 Brandeis and 76-69 to New York University

Chicago comes to town the owners of a 13-7 overall slate, 6-3 in UAA affairs which is good for a three-way tie for second place.  Last weekend, the Maroons dropped a 64-63 decision to No. 3 Rochester, before bouncing back to post a 97-78 triumph over Carnegie Mellon.

Washington University is ranked No. 7 in the nation by D3hoops.com and stands 16-4 in overall play while claiming a conference-leading mark of 7-2.  The Bears topped Carnegie Mellon, 79-68, and Rochester, 54-53, last weekend.

SERIES RECORDS –  The all-time series between Emory and Washington University began in 1988 and the Bears hold a 33-8 record against the Eagles.  Washington has won the last four meetings between the schools including an 83-65 verdict earlier this season in Saint Louis. The Bears have compiled a 14-6 effort against the Eagles in games played on Emory’s home floor.

In a series that has its origins in 1987, Chicago stands 29-13 against Emory.  The Maroons have won the last five meetings including a 91-65 decision in this year’s initial clash. Chicago has captured 11 of 20 contests played on Emory’s home court. `          

GIOMETTI A SPARK OFF THE BENCH  – Junior Brian Giometti came off the bench and scored 12 points in games against Brandies and NYU last weekend, giving him double-figure point production in five of his last six outings.  The 6-foot-1 Giometti has seen action as a reserve in 19 of Emory’s 20 games and has registered 10 performances of double-digit point production.  Against the Violets of NYU, he converted a season-high tying four-of-six from three-point range, the 11th time this year he totaled two or more treys in a game.

In his last five performances, Giometti is averaging 10.8 points while shooting at a 51.4 percent clip (19-of-37) from the floor, including 50 percent (11-of-22) from beyond the arc. Overall, his 8.6 points per game average ranks him 29th among UAA players while his 41.3 percent showing (31-of-75) from three-point range places him 12th on the UAA ladder.

FERNANDEZ MAKES HIS POINTS – Sophomore Anthony Fernandez  enters the final home weekend of the year with a team-high seven straight games of double-figure scoring.  Last weekend, the 6-foot-3 Fernandez totaled 10 points against Brandeis before putting up 13 points against NYU.  Fernandez, a starter in all 19 games he has seen action in, has chalked up 14 performances of double-figure scoring and he holds down the No. 2 spot on the team and 11th position on the UAA chart in scoring average (13.4 ppg). 

In the rebounding department, he tops the team and is seventh among conference players with a 6.5 per-game average.   He has either led or shared for team honors in rebounding on eight occasions.

FERDERIGOS CRACKS 1,500 CAREER POINT PLATEAU – Senior Spiros Ferderigos cracked the 1,500-career point plateau last Friday with his 19-point performance against Brandeis.  Ferderigos totaled 27 points in the contests against the Judges and NYU and checks into this weekend’s outing with 1,522 points to his credit, good for the No. 3 spot on the school’s all-time chart.

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS IN OVERTIME TO NO. 10 BRANDEIS

(Feb. 8) –  Emory senior Spiros Ferderigos totaled 19 points and Seth Kramer added 14 but it wasn’t enough as the Eagles came out on the short end of a tough 90-85 overtime decision to No. 10-ranked Brandeis Friday evening.  The win boosted Brandeis’ record to 15-4 overall (5-3 UAA) while Emory saw its record drop to 10-9 (3-5 UAA).

Emory shot 50.8 percent from the floor in the game (33-of-65), including 50 percent from three-point range (8-of-16), while Brandeis finished with a 50 percent effort (27-of-54) from the field. Emory held a 35-28 edge in rebounding and was led in that department by freshman Julien Williams with nine boards while also chipping in 13 points.  Other double-figure Emory point producers included Brian Giometti with 12 points and Anthony Fernandez with 10.

Joe Coppens of Brandeis led all scorers with 23 points while Terrell Hollins contributed 17 points.

Emory held a 67-62 lead with 4:35 left in regulation following a basket by Fernandez. A three-pointer by the Judges’ Joe Coppens capped a 9-2 spurt by the hosts and put them up by a 71-68 count with 2:59 on the clock.  Emory drew to within 73-72 following a bucket by Brian Giometti but Coppens countered with a basket with 1:16 left on the clock to push Brandeis’ edge back to three points.  After Ferderigos calmly sank a pair of free throws with 35 ticks on the clock  to narrow the gap to one point, Giometti knocked down a clutch three-pointer with 22 seconds remaining to give Emory a 77-75 edge.  With time winding down, BU’s Andre Roberson was fouled shooting a three-point shot.  Roberson converted his first two from the charity stripe before misfiring on the third attempt that forced the extra session.

In the extra session, Brandeis scored nine of its 13 points from the foul line with Andre Roberson sinking four and Coppens three.  The Judges never trailed in during the overtime frame.  Fernandez picked up four points in overtime for Emory.

Emory returns to action on Sunday (Feb. 10) when it plays at New York University in a noon start.

EMORY’S JOHN KRESSE NAMED  SECOND TEAM ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT  

(Feb. 8) - Emory University junior John Kresse (Charleston, SC), a key member of the Eagles’ basketball squad, has been named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Men’s Basketball Team.  Kresse was a second-team selection for District 3 in the College Division.  The College Division consists of colleges and universities from NCAA Divisions II, and III and the NAIA.

The honor is awarded annually to student athletes who have excelled both academically and athletically.  To be eligible, a nominee must have reached sophomore academic and athletic standing at his/her current institution, carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and be a starter or key reserve.

The 6-foot-1 Kresse majors in English and maintains a 3.86 grade-point average.  He has been a solid contributor on the court, starting all 18 Emory contests to date and averaging 7.9 points while doling out a team-high 4.17 assists per game, good for a second-place tie among UAA players through games played Feb. 3.  Kresse has produced six double-figure scoring contests and is shooting 54.9 percent from the floor (50-of-91). In addition, he holds down the No. 4 position in the conference in assist/turnover ratio (+2.03).

Voting for the Academic All-District team is conducted by the College Sports Information Directors of America.  District 3 is composed of NCAA institutions in the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.  

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL PREPARES FOR UAA ROAD GAMES vs.
BRANDEIS & NYU

GAME FACTS –  Coming off a four-game homestand, the Emory University men’s basketball team begins the second half portion of the University Athletic Association schedule this weekend with a pair of road games.  On Friday (Feb. 8), the Eagles meet Brandeis University in a 6:00 p.m. start before closing out the weekend with a Sunday tilt at New York University beginning at noon.

THE COACHES – Leading the Emory program is first-year Head Coach Jason Zimmerman (Davidson, ’94)  Named head coach in April, Zimmerman came to Emory after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Evansville (2003-04 through 2006-07).  Prior to his stint with the Aces, Zimmerman was an assistant at Davidson College for seven years (1996-97 through 2002-03).

Joe Nesci (Brooklyn College, ’79) is in his 20th season as head coach at NYU.  During his tenure, he has compiled a won-lost record of 348-160 and directed the Violets to 18 winning seasons and 12 postseason appearances.  

In his fifth campaign as head coach at Brandeis University is Brian Meehan (Clark University, ’86).  Last year, Meehan guided the Judges to an overall record of 20-7, the program’s third straight winning campaign. He is in his 12th year as a head coach overall, having served in that capacity for seven seasons at Salem State College.  

2007-08 RECORDS – Emory invades Brandeis sporting an overall record of 10-8 including a 3-4 effort in league play. The Eagles dropped a pair of hotly contested home games last weekend, 78-71 to NYU and 89-81 to then No. 9-ranked Brandeis.

Brandeis, ranked No. 10 in the nation by D3hoops.com, hosts Emory with an overall record of 14-4 including a 4-3 effort in conference games.  Before topping Emory last Sunday, the Judges won at Case Western Reserve, 90-75.  Brandeis has a 5-2 mark in home games this season.

NYU heads into a Friday evening affair against Case Western with a 12-6 overall effort, 3-4 in the UAA.  After emerging with a victory over Emory, the Violets ventured to Cleveland and registered a 79-67 triumph against Case.

SERIES RECORDS –  NYU’s win at Emory last weekend upped its all-time record against the Eagles to 28-14.  In games played on the Violets’ home floor, they stand 15-6 against Emory.  

In a series that saw the first game played in 1988, Brandeis holds a slim 22-19 advantage over the Eagles.  The Judges have captured 13 of the 20 meetings played on their home court.  Overall, Brandeis has won the last nine games in the series.

KRESSE DIRECTING EMORY OFFENSE  – Junior John Kresse continued his steady play last weekend, averaging 8.5 points, 7.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds in games against NYU and No. 9-ranked Brandeis.  The 6-foot-1 Kresse dished out a career-high nine assists against NYU and followed that effort with 13 points, his sixth double-figure effort of the season, and six assists (zero turnovers) in a season-long tying 34 minutes against Brandeis. 

In his last three outings, John has registered 19 assists and just three turnovers which has help him to a No. 4 ranking among UAA players in assist/turnover ratio (+2.03). 

In addition, he leads the squad and is No. 2 in the conference in assists (4.17 apg) in overall games and claims the top spot in league contests (5.17 apg).  He has either led or shared for team honors in assists on nine occasions this year.

FERNANDEZ BATTLES ON THE BOARDS – Sophomore Anthony Fernandez  led Emory in rebounding in both games last weekend, snatching nine boards against NYU and 11 against Brandeis, his fourth double-figure performance of the campaign.  The 6-foot-3 frontliner has been the Eagles’ leader on the glass in the last three games, averaging 9.3 caroms in that stretch.

Despite often giving up a height disadvantage (he is the shortest player among the league’s top 8 rebounders), Fernandez ranks fifth among UAA cagers in overall rebounding with a 6.9 per-game average.  He has been the Eagles’ top board man in seven contests.

Offensively, Anthony has made his mark, holding down the No. 2 spot on the team and the 11th position on the UAA scoring ladder with a 13.6 per-game effort.  Fernandez has notched double digits in points in his last five and in a total of 12 games this season. In league affairs, he is averaging 16.7 points, good for the third spot on the conference chart.

FERDERIGOS CONTINUES MARCH – After seeing a 12-game double-figure scoring streak come to a halt in the NYU game, senior Spiros Ferderigos bounced back with a team-high 20-point performance against Brandeis, his sixth contest of 20 or more points this year. Through games played Feb. 3, Ferderigos in No. 3 in the UAA in scoring (17.7 ppg) in overall play and is No. 4 in league outings (16.2).

The team leader in scoring in 11 games, Ferderigos moved into the No. 3 position on the school’s all-time scoring list in the Brandeis game and starts the weekend with 1,495 points.  In addition to his point total, he is all-time leader at Emory in free throws (466), seventh in rebounds (518) and fifth in assists (273).

A glance at the UAA statistics reveal that Ferderigos is tied for ninth in overall rebounding (6.3 rpg), sixth in free throw percentage (.808), and No. 2 in steals (2.06 spg).

EMORY NOTES –  Emory shot 53.7 percent from the field against NYU, the fourth time in conference play  that it had connected on 50 percent or better from the floor ….  Sophomore Daniel Curtin (Great Barrington, MA) drained seven three-point field goals in the NYU game, tying the second-highest single-game total in school history … Curtin ranks 12th among UAA performances in three-point field goal percentage (.412) and is ninth in treys per game (1.94) … Emory converted a season-high 13 three-pointers against NYU, tying the fifth-highest single-game standard in school history … In its last three contests, Emory is shooting 75.2 percent from the foul line (67-of-89) … The Eagles head into the weekend No. 3 in the UAA in free throw shooting (.722) … Emory has been outrebounded in four of the last six games … In its 10 victories, the Eagles have outrebounded the opposition by a 39.9-32.7 margin while showing a 39.0-34.8 deficit in their eight setbacks … Junior Brian Giometti came up with 11 points in the NYU game, his eighth double-figure scoring game of the season … Through games played Feb. 3, freshman Julien Williams ranks 14th among UAA players in overall rebounding (5.4 rpg) … Through games played Feb. 3, Emory ranks first in the UAA and 36th nationally in scoring offense (80.7  ppg) … The Eagles have shot 50 percent or better from the floor in eight games this season vs. six times in 25 contests a year ago … Emory is shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and averaging 90.3 points in its 10 wins while shooting 38.4 percent and averaging 68.6 points in its eight losses … Emory has an 8-2 ledger in games when it has outrebounded the opposition … Ferderigos has 187 career thefts to his credit,  No. 2 all-time at Emory, and trails only Paul Dam’s (1986-90)  No. 1 mark of 197 … Spiros has at least one steal in 17 of the Eagles’ 18 games including 12 contests of two or more … Ferderigos has scored in double figures in 77 of 91 career contests … The Eagles have players score in double figures on 64 occasions vs. 57 for the opposition … The Eagles are averaging a league-best 20.3 free throws per game and also pace the conference with 28.2 attempts per contest.

MASSEY RATINGS HAVE UAA AS TOP DIVISION III CONFERENCE – The University Athletic Association is the top-ranked Division III conference in the nation according to the Massey Ratings. Out of the 406 teams ranked, the UAA has three teams slated among the top 15 squads (Rochester, #2; Brandeis University, #8 & Washington University #9).  The University of Chicago is ranked 23rd, Carnegie Mellon 29th and Emory 38th.

EMORY MEN'S BASKETBALL EDGED BY NO. 9-RANKED BRANDEIS  

(Feb. 3) – Facing a 13-point second-half deficit, the Emory University men’s basketball team stormed back to within two points before falling to No. 9-ranked Brandeis University Sunday afternoon.  The Judges escaped the Woodruff PE Center with an 89-81 triumph over Emory and in the process raised their overall record to 14-4, 4-3 in the University Athletic Association.  The setback dropped Emory’s overall mark to 10-8, 3-4 in the conference.

Senior Spiros Ferderigos paced the Emory scoring attack with 20 points, his sixth outing of 20 or more points this season, while contributing six rebounds and doling out six assists.  Sophomore Anthony Fernandez totaled 17 points along with a game-high 11 rebounds, his second double-double of the campaign and fourth performance of double-digit rebounding.  Junior John Kresse rounded out the double-figure scorers for the Eagles with 13 points.

Emory was trailing by a 22-17 count with 11:36 remaining in the first half before rattling off a 15-1 run, sparked by a pair of three-point field goals by Kresse, to go up by a 32-23 margin with 6:54 left in the stanza. The Eagles still held a 35-30 cushion with 3:55 remaining following a pair of free throws by freshman Julien Williams but Brandeis responded with a 9-0 spurt, with seven points coming from sophomore guard Andre Roberson, to take a 39-35 lead. The Judges would maintain an advantage for the remainder of the period and went into halftime with a 45-43 margin.  Both teams shot well from the floor during the opening 20 minutes of play with Emory connecting on 50 percent of its attempts (13-of-26) while Brandeis hit 51.6 percent (16-of-31).

Back-to-back three-pointers by BU’s Kevin Olson capped an 11-0 start to open the second half and pushed the Judges’ lead to 56-43 with 16:28 left in the game. A three-pointer by junior Brian Giometti followed by a bucket by senior Seth Kramer drew the Eagles to within seven points with 14:51 on the clock.   A layup by Roberson gave the visitors a 10-point bulge, 65-55, with 10:49 remaining before Emory received eight points from Ferderigos and four points from Fernandez to ignite a 12-4 spurt that cut the gap to a pair at 69-67 with 7:47 left.  Ferderigos would score Emory’s next six points and his pair of charity tosses with 3:37 left on the clock kept Emory within striking distance at 76-73.  But a 7-1 Brandies response pushed its advantage to 83-74 with 54 seconds and stymied Emory’s comeback bid.

Roberson came off the bench to lead the Brandeis attack with a game-high 29 points, hitting nine-of-11 both from the field and the free throw line.  Senior Joe Coppens chipped in 15 points in the win.

Emory finished the game shooting 45.6 percent from the field (26-of-57) while Brandeis managed to connect on 49.2 percent (31-of-63).  The Eagles shot better from beyond the arc, hitting 46.2 percent (6-of-13) while the Judges checked in at 38.9 percent (7-of-18).  Both squads grabbed 34 rebounds.

Emory returns to action next Friday (Feb. 8) when it plays at Brandeis in an 8:00 p.m. tip.

EMORY MEN'S BASKETBALL RALLY FALLS SHORT vs. NYU  

(Feb. 1) – Sophomore Daniel Curtin totaled a career-high 21 points and converted seven three-point field goals but it wasn’t enough as New York University built a 15-point second-half lead before withstanding a furious Emory rally in claiming a 78-71 triumph on Friday evening.  The win upped NYU’s overall record to 11-6, 2-4 in University Athletic Association play, while Emory saw its mark slip to 10-7 overall, 3-3 in UAA action.

Curtin’s seven treys were just one shy of tying the school single-game record of eight held by Richard Sommers (vs. LaGrange College, Nov. 16, 2001) and tied him with Jeff Hall and Adrian Sosa for the second-highest total.

NYU shot 53.7 percent from the floor (22-of-41) for the game while Emory connected on 38.3 percent (23-of-60).  The Eagles converted 38.2 percent from three-point range, sinking a season-high 13-of-34 from beyond the arc and registered a 32-27 edge in rebounding.  The Violets enjoyed a wide edge in the free throws department, sinking 26-of-35 while Emory made 12-of-16.

NYU raced out to an 8-0 lead before Emory answered with an 11-2 run, keyed by a pair of treys by Curtin and one by senior Dan Smith, to take an 11-10 lead with 13:44 left in the first half.  From there, the teams jockeyed back and forth before battling to a 30-30 standoff after the opening 20 minutes of action.

The Eagles scored the first five points of the second half as sophomore Anthony Fernandez hit a jumper followed by a three-pointer by senior Spiros Ferderigos.  However, the Violets responded with an 11-2 run to claim a 41-37 advantage with 15:23 remaining.  NYU held a 47-44 edge with 11:01 left on the clock following a Curtin three-pointer before going on a 12-0 tear to distance itself from the Eagles, 59-44, with 7:36 remaining. Junior Brian Giometti kept Emory’s hopes alive with five straight points to cut the gap to 10, however a layup by the Violets’ John Mish pushed NYU’s lead to 66-52 with 3:19 on the clock.

Undaunted, a determined Emory team mounted a 15-5 charge that was keyed by a pair of three-pointers by Curtin, a trey by Giometti, four points from John Kresse and two points from Dan Smith that drew the Eagles to within four points with 53 ticks on the clock. However, that was as close as Emory would get as it suffered just its second setback in nine home contests.

Fernandez finished with 12 points along with a game-high nine rebounds for the Eagles while Giometti totaled 11 points.  Kresse played a solid floor game with nine assists in 27 minutes of action.

“Even though NYU shot 60 percent in the first half, I felt that they hit some tough shots late in the shot clock,” Emory Head Coach Jason Zimmerman said.  “In the second half, they shot a lower percentage but I felt that they got better looks earlier in the shot clock.

“I give our guys credit for playing hard the whole game and getting back to the point where getting a couple of breaks might have spelled the difference.  We have to be able to stop runs by teams with staying power and detail to defensive assignments.  However, we did not do that tonight.”

Emory returns to action on Sunday (Feb. 3) when it entertains No. 9-ranked Brandeis starting at noon.

EMORY’S ANTHONY FERNANDEZ NAMED UAA BASKETBALL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK  

(Jan. 29) - Emory University sophomore Anthony Fernandez (Miami, FL) has been selected by the University Athletic Association as Basketball Co-Player of the Week following his performance in the Eagles’ wins against No. 1-ranked Rochester and Carnegie Mellon University. Fernandez shares the honor with Troy Ruths of Washington University.  It marks the first time in his career that he has been tabbed for the honor.  

The 6-foot-3 Fernandez totaled 20 points (second high on the team), two blocked shots and two steals in the Eagles’ dramatic 81-76 overtime triumph against the top-ranked Yellowjackets of Rochester on Friday before pacing the club with a career-high 23 points, a team-best eight rebounds and two steals in an 89-85 decision against Carnegie Mellon.  Over the course of the two games, he averaged 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals while shooting 56.3 percent (18-of-32) from the floor and 77.8 percent from the foul line (7-of-9).

Fernandez has scored in double figures on 10 occasions this season and has either led or shared for team scoring honors on three occasions.  He is averaging 13.5 points per game, good for the No. 2 spot on the team and No. 12 position among University Athletic Association players.  He ranks first on the Emory scoresheet and is No. 5 among UAA players in rebounding (6.5 rpg).

Emory, 10-6 on the year in overall play, including 3-2 in UAA contests, returns to action on Feb. 1 when it hosts New York University in an 8:00 p.m. start. The Eagles are ranked 33rd in the nation in this week’s Massey Ratings.

(Jan. 27) – Sophomore Anthony Fernandez scored a career-high 23 points to lead four Emory double-figure scorers as the Eagles rallied for an 89-85 win over Carnegie Mellon on Sunday afternoon.  The win boosted Emory’s overall record to 10-6, 3-2 in University Athletic Association play. The setback dropped CMU’s overall slate to 11-5, 1-4 in the conference. 

Fernandez finished the game hitting nine-of-19 from the floor and five-of-six from the line en route to his second consecutive game of 20 or more points.  In addition, he grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Along with Fernandez’s point production, the Eagles received 15 points apiece from seniors Spiros Ferderigos and Dan Smith.  Rounding out the team’s double-digit producers was junior Brian Giometti with11 points. 

After posting a win over No. 1-ranked Rochester on Friday, the Eagles found themselves trailing by a 61-49 margin with 12:38 left in the game. Emory then went on an 18-6 run, keyed by six points by junior John Kresse and five points apiece by Dan Smith and Ferderigos, to take a 67-66 lead with  9:05 remaining. From there, the game was hotly contest with a total of four ties and the largest point differential being four points.  After a foul shot by CMU’s Corey O’Rourke cut Emory’s advantage to 77-76, senior Seth Kramer hit a key bucket with 2:04 left to extend Emory’s lead to 79-76. From there, the game became a foul-shooting affair with the Eagles knocking down 10 of their final 12 attempts en route to the win. 

“As proud as I was of our team on Friday following the Rochester game, I am just as proud, if not more, of the way they hung in and battled back today,” Emory Head Coach Jason Zimmerman said.  The way we played defensively down the stretch played a big role in getting the win.

“Seth Kramer’s basket late in the game helped us get over the hump and Dan Smith really came through with some big baskets.  Those were two guys who stepped up when called upon.”

Despite shooting 58.3 percent from the floor during the opening 20 minutes of play, Emory trailed by a 41-39 margin at halftime.  The Tartans built an 11-point cushion, 39-28, with 2:09 left in the stanza.  The Eagles regrouped and closed out the half with an 11-2 run.  Sophomore Daniel Curtin got things started with a three-pointer while Smith hit back-to-back treys.  Fernandez accounted for the other points with a basket with 35 seconds left that closed out the scoring. 

Emory finished the game with a 51.0 percent mark from the floor (26-of-51) while the Tartans recorded a 40.4 percent effort (23-of-57).  Though it was outrebounded by a 39-29, Emory connected on 76.2 percent from the charity stripe (32-of-42) while CMU finished at 69.2 percent (36-of-52). CMU scored its final 14 points from the foul line.

The win raised Emory’s home record to 7-1 this year, the best eight-game home record since 1997-98 when that squad fashioned a similar slate.

Emory returns to action on Friday, Feb. 1, when it hosts New York University.

EMORY MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM TOPPLES NO. 1-RANKED ROCHESTER

(Jan. 25) – The Emory University arguably pulled off its biggest win in school history Friday evening as the Eagles defeated No. 1-ranked Rochester in overtime, 81-76.  The victory boosted Emory’s record to 9-6 overall (2-2 in UAA).  The loss was the first setback of the campaign for the Yellowjackets and left Rochester’s mark at 14-1 (3-1 in UAA).

Senior Spiros Ferderigos turned in one of many outstanding efforts for Emory, tying for game-high honors with 22 points.  Ferderigos scored 16 of those points in the second half and overtime en route to his fifth effort of 20 or more points this year.  Sophomore Anthony Fernandez sank nine-of-13 from the floor and finished the contest with a career-high 20 points.  Freshman Julien Williams came through with his first double-double with 17 points and a game-high12 rebounds.  Junior Brian Giometti rounded out the Emory double-figure scorers with 10 points.

In an entertaining first half, Rochester took a 39-38 lead at the intermission thanks in part to 14 points from Mike Chmielowiec.  The Yellowjackets shot 51.9 percent from the floor during the opening 20 minutes while the Eagles weren’t far behind at 48.3 percent.  Chmielowiec would lead Rochester in scoring on the evening with 22 points.

During the early stages of the second half, Rochester led by five points on two occasions but Emory stayed within striking distance and finally grabbed a 55-54 lead with 8:40 remaining on the strength of a Ferderigos layup.  From that point, it was Emory staying ahead and eventually leading by a 64-59 margin with 4:32 on the clock following a jumper by Fernandez.  A pair of charity tosses by Giometti with 26 ticks on the clock kept Emory ahead by four points.  The Yellowjackets countered with a pair of free throws with 20 seconds left to narrow the gap to two points.  Following a miss free throw by Emory, a Rochester shot attempt missed but fell out of bounds with 0.8 seconds left.  Rochester then forced the overtime when Jon Onyiriuka converted a dramatic alley-oop just as the buzzer sounded.

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL LOSES TO CHICAGO

(Jan. 20) –  The Emory University men’s basketball closed out its initial University Athletic Association road swing of the season with a 91-65 loss to the University of Chicago on Sunday afternoon.  The win boosted Chicago’s record to 9-6 overall (2-1 UAA) while Emory saw its record drop to 8-6 (1-2 UAA).

Sophomore Anthony Fernandez led the Emory effort with 17 points along with a team-high seven rebounds while senior Spiros Ferderigos battled his way through foul trouble to record 16 points and four boards.  Fernandez was successful on seven-of-12 from the field while Ferderigos sank five of his nine attempts from the floor.

For the second straight game, Emory ran into a hot-shooting foe as Chicago finished the game by hitting 54.5 percent (30-of-55) of its field goal attempts compared to the Eagles’ 37.5 percent (24-of-64).  The Maroons were dominant from three-point range as they drained an Emory opponent season-high 15-of-31 from beyond the arc (48.1 percent) while Emory struggled from distance, hitting just two of its 17 attempts.  Senior Nate Hainje and sophomore Jake Pancratz highlighted Chicago’s scoring attack with 19 points apiece.

Chicago shot a blistering 53.6 percent from the floor (15-of-28) in the opening half of play, including 46.7 percent from three-point range (7-of-15), in taking a 46-25 lead at halftime.  Emory had trouble finding its shooting eye during the opening 20 minutes of action, connecting on just 33.3 percent from the field (11-of-33) while failing to convert on nine three-point opportunities.  The Maroons also used enjoyed a 23-14 edge on the glass.  Ferderigos and Fernandez totaled nine and seven points, respectively, for Emory in the first half.  Pancratz totaled 14 points to pace Chicago’s scoring effort.

"Defensively, we gave up too many open looks and allowed shooters to get comfortable," Emory head coach Jason Zimmerman said. "We have to do a better job of instigating on defense and not allowing teams to set up their offense.

"It was a tough road trip this past weekend and as we go through the remainder of the UAA schedule, we have a lot of work to do to get better."

Emory returns to action on Friday (Jan. 25) when it plays host to unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Rochester in an 8:00 p.m. start (EST).

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL DROPS ROAD DECISION TO NO. 5 WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

(Jan. 18) –  The Emory University men’s basketball fell victim to a hot-shooting Washington University team Friday evening, as the No. 5-ranked Bears recorded an 85-63 win.  The win boosted Washington’s record to 11-2 overall (2-0 UAA) while Emory saw its record slip to 8-5 (1-1 UAA).

Washington used a blistering outside shooting attack during the opening half of play in taking a 47-28 lead into the locker room at halftime.  The Bears connected on 54.3 percent of their field goal opportunities (19-of-35) and converted eight-of-11 three-point field goals.  Emory was successful on 34.5 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes and was led by sophomore guard Daniel Curtin who scored 15 of his career-high 19 points in the stanza.  Curtin concluded the contest knocking down six-of-eight from the floor including three-of-six three-point attempts, and all six of his free throw attempts. 

In the second half,  the host Bears kept the pressure on Emory with a three-pointer by Washington sophomore Aaron Thompson capping a 22-5 run to open the half and pushing the Bears’ lead to 69-33 with 13:11 remaining.  Thompson was a thorn in Emory’s side all evening as he sank eight-of-10 from the floor including six-of-eight from beyond the arc en route to a game-high 22 points.  Washington ended the contest with a 50.7 percent effort from the floor (34-of-67) including 55 percent from three-point range (11-of-20).  In addition, the Bears finished with a 41-28 advantage in rebounding as they registered their 23rd consecutive home win.

Emory senior Spiros Ferderigos was the other Eagle to notch double digits with 17 points while Anthony Fernandez and Brian Giometti each totaled nine points along with a team-high tying five rebounds.

Emory returns to action on Sunday (Jan. 20) when it plays at the University of Chicago  in a 1:00 p.m. start (EST).

EMORY MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM BATTLES PAIR OF UAA FOES ON
THE ROAD
           
(Jan. 15) - GAME FACTS – The Emory University men’s basketball team faces its first University Athletic Association road swing of the season this weekend.  On Friday (Jan. 18), the Eagles take on nationally ranked Washington University before meeting the University of Chicago on Sunday (Jan. 20).  The WU Field House will be the site of the 41st meeting between Emory and Washington University and tip is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (CST).  The Ratner Center on the University of Chicago campus will serve as the setting for the 42nd meeting between the Eagles and Maroons and that game will begin at noon (CDT).

THE COACHES – Leading the Emory program is first-year Head Coach Jason Zimmerman (Davidson, ’94)  Named head coach in April, Zimmerman came to Emory after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Evansville (2003-04 through 2006-07).  Prior to his stint with the Aces, Zimmerman was an assistant at Davidson College for seven years (1996-97 through 2002-03).

Mark Edwards (Washington University, ’69) is in his 27th season as head coach at Washington University.  During his tenure, he has compiled a won-lost record of 462-229 which includes a 212-66 effort in UAA play.  He has guided the program to nine seasons of 20 or more wins and has 12 NCAA Tournament appearances to his credit.

Now in his ninth campaign as head coach at the University of Chicago, Mike McGrath (DePauw, ’92) takes a school and career record of 141-77 into a Jan. 18 contest against Case Western Reserve.  He was tabbed as the 2006-07 UAA Coach of the Year after guiding the team to an overall record of 20-6 and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

2007-08 RECORDS – Emory enters the weekend with an overall record of 8-4, including a 1-0 effort in league play.  The Eagles opened the conference portion of their schedule on Saturday with a 99-92 home win against Case Western.  Leading the Emory scoring attack was senior Spiros Ferderigos and sophomore Anthony Fernandez, each of whom tallied 19 points. 

Washington University, ranked No. 5 in the nation by d3hoos.com, hosts the Eagles with an overall ledger of 10-2, 1-0 in UAA affairs.  Last weekend, the Bears notched their eighth straight win when they topped Chicago, 76-50. Washington University enters Friday’s outing having won its last 22 straight home games.  

The University of Chicago will entertain Case Western on Friday with an overall record of 7-5, 0-1 in UAA action.  The Maroons dropped their conference opener last Saturday to Washington University by a 76-50 margin. Chicago has won six of seven home games this year heading into the weekend.

SERIES RECORDS –  The all-time series between Emory and Washington University began in 1988 and the Bears hold a 32-8 record against the Eagles.  Washington has won the last three and five of the last seven meetings between the schools.  Last season, the Bears claimed a 78-73 decision in Atlanta before coming away with a 74-62 victory in Saint Louis.  The Bears stand 18-2 vs. Emory in games played on their home court.

In a series that has its origins in 1987, Chicago stands 28-13 against Emory.  The Maroons have won the last four meetings including last year’s 99-75 (at Emory) and 89-71 outcomes.  Chicago has won the last 13 meetings against Emory played on its home court while showing an overall slate of 17-4 in home games vs. the Eagles.  

EMORY OFFENSE KEEPS ROLLING ALONG – After seeing its streak of scoring 70 more points snapped at eight games following the Guilford contest, the Eagles bounced back with 99 points against Case Western Reserve.  It represented the