The Emporia State Men’s basketball team rebounded from a shaky first half to beat Missouri Western 76-64 at White Auditorium, Thursday night.
The Hornets took just a three point lead into halftime, but led by double digits most of the second half. ESU took a 12 point lead with 13:47 to play on a Tray Buchanan three-pointer, and led by as many as 19 in the second half.
Hornet coach Craig Doty said the offense was good, but the second-half defensive intensity was the difference in the game.
Buchanan led the Hornets with a game-high 33 points, and says their second half energy led them to the win.
Mayoum Buom was the only other Hornet in double figures with 15 points. ESU was playing without Jumah’Ri Turner who missed the game in COVID protocol.
With the win, the Hornets improve to 12-3 on the season and 7-2 in the MIAA. The Emporia State men and women are off until next Wednesday when they are scheduled to play at Pitt St. Saturday’s doubleheader with Northwest Missouri State has been postponed with the ESU women and NWMSU men in COVID protocol.
