Newport News, VA – It was the start of a new season as the Apprentice Men's Basketball team began their quest for an EMAC Tournament Championship.  Tonight, they would play host to the semi-finals, as they welcomed in Regent University for a 6:00pm tip-off.  This was the 3^rd time the two teams had met this season, but this game had the most meaning, with the winner earning a spot in Saturday's Championship Game.  However, for the Builders to move on, they would have to play consistent and limit any opportunities for the Royals to control the tempo.

Apprentice won the tip to start the first half but were unable to capitalize on their first possession and Regent took advantage getting the early lead, 2-0.  Isaiah Jones would tie it up with a shot under the basket, but the Royals were able to jump back out in front by 2-points.  Karree Smith hit two free throws to tie the game again, which was followed by a fast break layup by Marion Moore to give the Builders their first lead of the game, 8-6.  The basket was Moore's 1,000^th point of his career.  Regent would eventually tie the game again, but layups by Jayden Eason, Vershawn Eley and Xavien "Buck" Hunter were able to give Apprentice the 6-point advantage, with 11-31 remaining in the half.  Adrion Wall came in the game and kept the Builders ahead and then two free throws from Marion Moore increased the lead to 21-15.  After a Royal's basket, Moore was fouled, made the basket, and then hit the free throw for the 3-point play, to give Apprentice their largest lead of the game at 24-17.  Eventually, the lead was cut to 3 points, put Tony Epps, Jr. converted a 3-point play to go back up, 27-21.  After having their lead cut to 2-points, Epps and Karree Smith drained two straight 3-pointers, but once again, Regent would make a run.  However, Smith connected on another 3-pointer and as the teams headed to the locker room, the Builders would lead by a score of 36-30. 

The second half began with a Marion Moore Dunk to quickly grab the 8-point lead and Apprentice kept that lead until a technical foul was called on Corey Joyner, allowing the Royals to pull to within 6-points, 38-32.  However, the Builders offense would come to life and go on a big run with Moore, Smith, Hawkins and Hunter pushing Apprentice out to a 16-point lead, 56-39.  The lead would get as high as 18-points, but Regent cut it to 14-points with 7:07 left in the game.  Marion Moore continued to add to his 1,000 points, shutting down any runs the Royals would try to make.  Eventually, Regent was able to pull to within 12-points but, once again, Moore took control and gave the Builders a 20-point lead, 76-56.  For the remainder of the game, the Royals could not cut into the lead and as the horn sounded, Apprentice would punch their ticket to the Championship Game, defeating Regent, 80-66.

The Builders were led by Marion Moore, who finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while going 7-9 from the free throw line.  Jayden Eason also had a solid game on the boards, also pulling down a total of 10 rebounds.  Apprentice will travel to Asheville, NC to face the winner of the Clinton College/Johnson & Wales game, which was not tipping off until 8;00pm.  Stay tuned to www.gobuilders.com for Championship Game info.