The Hornets split two games Thursday night with Northeastern State at the NSU Event Center in Tahlequah, Okla.
The shorthanded Emporia State men withstood multiple RiverHawk runs but didn’t let NSU lead in the final 16 minutes of the game to prevail 73-65 last night. ESU used a 10-0 run early to break a 5-5 tie before NSU gradually built their lead to eight points in the first half thanks to a 23-5 run that spanned nearly 10 minutes. ESU trailed 36-32 at the break but got back into the game with a 7-1 run early in the first half. E-State scored 11-straight points to take a 43-37 lead at the 15:30 mark in the second. ESU’s lead was 10 multiple times in the first and second half, but NSU got within two thanks to a 10-2 run late, but could never take the lead. Alijah Comithier led the Hornets with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Head coach Craig Doty was proud of the team for picking up a tough road win.
In the women’s game, NSU had two runs of over 14-straight points to blast the Lady Hornets 81-61. ESU led 19-16 at the end of the first, but NSU took the lead in the second after a 14-0 run and led 35-29 at the half. They put together a 15-0 run in the third quarter to take a 29-point lead and eventually built it as high as 31 points with just over four minutes to go. Stevie Stinchcomb led ESU with 17 points and a career-high five 3-pointers. Head coach Brian Ostermann said NSU’s shot making was the difference.
ESU returns to action Saturday to face Rogers State. Coverage begins with the RV Doc Pregame Show at 1:30 p.m. with tip-off set for the doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. on Mix 104.9. Listen online at KVOE.com/listen or via the Audacy app.
