The Emporia State mens basketball team opened MIAA tournament play with a 72-68 win over Northeastern State Wednesday afternoon.
Coach Craig Dotys Hornets overcame a 16 point 2nd half deficit to rally for the win.
Julius Jackson led the offense with 20 points. Kooper Glick finished with 19.
Sawyer Glick scored 15 points all in the 2nd half. Hassan Thomas grabbed a game high 10 rebounds.
Emporia State advances to play Northwest Missouri State Thursday at Noon.
In the other first round game Southwest Baptist slipped past Lindenwood 76-75. Southwest Baptist will play Washburn in the 2nd round Thursday.
In the womens first round games:
Missouri Western defeated Nebraska Kearney 55-47.
Central Oklahoma out scored Missouri Southern 68-60.
