MEN'S HOOPS: Wasps host W&L in ODAC tournament

EMORY, Va. – For 25 games, fifth-year Emory & Henry men’s basketball coach Paul Russo has preached a message of perseverance to his young cast of players.

Russo has been pleased with the response, especially in recent performances.

Tonight at the King Center, the eighth-seeded Wasps hope to take the next step when they host the No. 9 Washington & Lee Generals in the opening round of the ODAC tournament.

“This will be our first tournament game at home and it’s definitely a reward for our guys,” Russo said. “It’s exactly where we wanted to be – playing in front of our fans with an opportunity to make a run in the tournament.”

Tonight’s winner advances to face No. 1 Virginia Wesleyan (22-3) in the semifinals Friday night in the Salem Civic Center.

With a 6-10 ODAC record, the Wasps were in line for the No. 7 seed before Eastern Mennonite (6-10) upset Guilford 62-61 in overtime Saturday. EMU earned the tiebreaker by virtue of wins over Guilford and Lynchburg.

The headliner for Washington & Lee is J.D. Ey. An athletic 6-6 junior from Charlotte, N.C., Ey tops the ODAC with 9.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while also averaging 12.4 points and 3.1 assists.

“Ey is a terrific player and we’ve got to keep him off the glass,” Russo said. “W&L also has two little guards that are lightning-quick in Javon McDonald (11.8 ppg.) and Clay McLean.”

The brainy style of play for W&L is fitting for the rigorous academics at the Lexington school. With a front line of 6-6, 6-6 and 6-8, the Generals will milk the shot clock while working for high-percentage shots.

“One of the advantages we’ve had all season is being able to outrebound people but W&L is one of the few teams that outrebounded us,” Russo said. “W&L is very disciplined and defends very well. We’ve got to stay disciplined and defend for the full 35 seconds because they really grind the shot clock.”

E&H dropped a 67-46 decision at W&L on Jan. 25. In that game, McLean led all scorers with 15 points while 6-6 sophomore Larry Whitaker (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Ey (13 points, nine rebound, five assists) were also effective.

Sophomore forward Charles Smith topped E&H with 12 points and 10 rebounds while creative junior guard Malcolm Green contributed nine points and five rebounds. The Wasps managed just 11 second half points.

Green ranked seventh in ODAC scoring with 14.4 ppg.

Russo has been encouraged by the recent emergence of 6-5, 225-pound junior post Armando Murrell (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and 5-9 freshman playmaker Carlos Sanchez of the Bronx, N.Y.

The powerful Murrell has reeled off a string of double figure scoring and rebound games while the savvy Sanchez has used his quickness to blow past defenders.

“Armando got in foul trouble at W&L but I expect him to have a big game this time,” Russo said.

Sanchez developed his skills by competing on the battle-tested playgrounds of New York City. The transition to the structured world of the ODAC has been difficult.

“Some of the instincts that Carlos has are incredible and just can’t be taught,” Russo said. “When Carlos processes the more technical parts of the game he could be a very good point guard.”

Tonight’s starting lineup for E&H will likely include two first year players along with a sophomore and two juniors.

The Wasps are shooting just 58 percent from the free throw line and rank last in ODAC turnover margin. Russo admits that the inconsistency of his team has given him gray hairs, but he embraces the challenge.

“I wish we could have gotten that No. 7 seed but one of our goals was to get to Salem,” Russo said. “W&L will be a huge test. Having a tournament game here at the King Center is big for our program. There is a lot of buzz around campus.”

The Wasps played without the 6-5 Smith and 6-7 Jorel Terrell Saturday at Virginia Wesleyan due to ankle injuries. Russo said both players have returned.

According to ODAC postseason policy, admission to tonight’s game is $5 for adults.

agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544.