PRINCETON - Mount Olive came up just short Saturday afternoon, falling 84–81 to Emmanuel (Ga.) in a tightly contested Conference Carolinas matchup at Princeton High School.

The Trojans and Lions traded punches throughout the afternoon, with the game featuring 12 lead changes and 10 ties. Mount Olive erased an early seven-point deficit in the opening half and went into the break tied at 43–43 after shooting better than 53 percent from the floor in the first 20 minutes.

Jefferson McLamb led Mount Olive with 26 points, finishing efficiently in the paint while also converting from the free-throw line. Christian Ananaba finished with 14 points, joined by Jaevian Alston who also finished in double-figures with 11 points. 

Emmanuel held a slim edge in the second half, shooting 52 percent for the game and scoring 44 points in the paint. Devin Story powered the Lions with a game-high 40 points, including a late three-pointer and free throw that sealed the outcome in the final seconds.

Mount Olive stayed within one possession in the closing minute and had chances to tie or take the lead, but Emmanuel converted at the free-throw line and forced a missed three in the final seconds to secure the win.

The Trojans finished the afternoon shooting 47.5 percent from the field and held advantages in second-chance points (20–15) and fast-break scoring (16–9), but Emmanuel's late-game execution proved decisive.

Mount Olive travels to Murfreesboro to face Chowan on Wednesday at 7 pm, before returning home on Saturday, Jan. 10 to face Erskine at 2 pm in the newly renovated Kornegay Arena.