The Emporia State basketball teams split their final conference road trip to Jason Gym in Jefferson City, Mo. on Thursday.
The Lady Hornets built a big first half lead but had to hold on late for a 68-62 win over Lincoln. The Hornets led 33-18 at the break and had a 9-0 run going into the intermission holding Lincoln to just 1-for-14 shooting in the second frame. The run extended into the third quarter and was a 15-3 ESU spurt overall and included an 11-0 ESU run as LU went nearly seven minutes without a basket. Lincoln got back into the game with a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to single digits at the last media timeout before an 8-1 run cut the ESU lead to 60-58 with 1:30 left to play, but E-State outscored LU 8-4 the rest of the way to pick up their first road win of the year. Head coach Brian Ostermann said the team’s defense allowed it to build the cushion they needed for the win.
Senior guard Katie Horyna said a drill the team has been doing recently is paying off.
Horyna scored a career high 17 points while Queen Ulabo added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Ashlyn Alloway had a career high 33 points for the Blue Tigers. ESU improves to 8-6 on the season and 5-3 in the MIAA with the win.
The men played shorthanded and fell 71-63 to Lincoln in the nightcap. The Hornets jumped out to a 16-9 lead seven minutes into the game, but Lincoln took their first lead with a 13-2 run that spanned over four and a half minutes. LU led 35-33 at the break before the Hornets nudged their way back into the lead early in the second half. The Blue Tigers broke a 52-all tie with just over 8 minutes left into a 65-56 lead with just under five minutes to go with a 13-4 run. The Hornets trimmed the deficit to two scores but couldn’t get any closer in the final minute. Owen Long did not play in the game due to nausea before the contest. Head coach Craig Doty said the team’s effort was not the issue.
Solomon Oraegbu scored 22 points to lead the Hornets while Atavian Butler added 12. Kaden Evans scored 11 and matched a career high with six steals while Darius Yohe contributed four blocks. D. J. Richardson scored a personal best 29 points for the Blue Tigers. ESU falls to 11-5 overall and 4-4 in the MIAA.
The Hornets return to action on Saturday at Central Missouri. Coverage begins with the RV Doc Pregame Show at 12:30 p.m. on Mix 104.9. Listen online at KVOE.com/listen or via the Audacy app.
