Coach Craig Doty said they played with intensity.
The two teams were tied 5 times and traded the lead 10 times in the first half before closing the half on an 8-2 run.
Gage McGuire scored 9 of the 13 points during the 2nd half run and finished the game with 20 points.
Jumah'Ri Turner scored a game-high 27 points to lead Emporia State.
Mason Thiessen added 15 points and 4 blocked shots.
Austin Downing finished with 12 points.
Dallas Bailey had a game-high 11 rebounds.
With the win, the Hornets improve to 9-10 for the season. They are scheduled to host Northeastern State on Wednesday.