The Emporia State basketball teams each tasted defeat in conference play for the first time in the 2023-24 season on Thursday night at the Civic Center in St. Joseph, Mo.
In the men’s game, ESU had their worst shooting performance of the year finishing with just 33% shooting from the field in a 76-54 loss to Missouri Western Thursday night. The Griffons took a nine-point lead early after a 12-4 run to lead 24-15 with just over four minutes to go before halftime. ESU trimmed the deficit to 28-25 at the break. ESU scored the first five of the second half to take a brief lead, but the Griffons answered back with a 13-4 run to take the lead for good. Western shot 66% from the field in the second half and outrebounded the Hornets 41-25. Alijah Comithier and Owen Long each led ESU with 16 points. Emporia State finished 3-for-19 from the 3-point line. Head coach Craig Doty said ESU’s lack of depth was a major factor.
The loss ends a nine-game winning streak for the Hornets and drops them to 9-2 on the season and 3-1 in MIAA play.
In the women’s game, the Hornets battled early but Missouri Western controlled the second half on the way to an 80-60 win over the Lady Hornets. Faith Paramore dominated in the first with 20 points at halftime, but managed just one in the second half of action. ESU ended the first half on a 7-0 run to take a 39-36 lead at the break, but the Griffons controlled the third outscoring the Lady Hornets 24-9 in the frame. ESU led by as many as 23 points in the frame. Queen Ulabo added 11 points for ESU. Head coach Brian Ostermann said the loss shows how far the team has to go.
The Lady Hornets fall to 5-4 on the year and 3-1 inside ‘The Association.’ After the Hornet losses, there are no undefeated teams remaining in men’s or women’s basketball in the MIAA.
ESU returns to action on Saturday returning to the road to visit Northwest Missouri. Coverage begins with the RV Doc Pregame Show at 1:00 p.m. with the tip-off for the women set for 1:30 on Mix 104.9. Listen online at KVOE.com/listen or via the Audacy app.
