The Emporia State men couldn’t sustain a hot start and fell 91-79 at Pershing Arena to Truman State in Kirksville, Mo. on Wednesday night. The Hornets jumped out to a 19-4 run to start the game, but a 20-4 run back the other way gave TSU their first lead. The teams traded baskets over the next three minutes, but ESU didn’t lead after the six-minute mark in the first half. Trailing by nine at the break, ESU cut the deficit to six early in the second half, but an 8-0 Bulldog run reextended their lead to double-figures and the Hornets couldn’t trim it below three possessions again. Head coach Tom Billeter said there were positives, but that ESU left points on the floor.
Malik Edwards Jr. had a career high with 19 points while Brayson Laube also registered a personal best with 17 points. ESU (1-2) is back in action on the road Tuesday at William Jewell.
Meanwhile in Emporia, the Lady Hornets won their home opener 87-82 over Wayne State College at White Auditorium. ESU started strong offensively leading 50-46 at halftime. ESU overcame 52% shooting by the Wildcats from outside the arc by forcing 14 WSC turnovers and outscoring the visitors in points off turnovers 15-8. Graduates Faith Paramore and Katie Horyna led the way with Paramore dumping in 23 points on 4 of 7 shooting outside the arc while Horyna tallied 18 points with six rebounds and six assists against just one turnover. Head coach Brian Ostermann said their leadership was critical in the win.
ESU (2-1) returns home Tuesday to host Newman in a nonconference game.
