The Emporia State men’s basketball team finally played their first home game of the year and ended a four-game losing streak with a 69-61 victory over Peru State College at White Auditorium in Emporia on Sunday. The E-State offense sputtered out of the gate missing its first nine shots, but hit three straight field goals to pull even at seven apiece at the first media timeout and then took their first lead as part of a 9-0 run. After trading the lead with the Bobcats, the Hornets ended the half on a 9-3 run to lead 34-25 at the break. ESU pushed the lead to 11, but Peru State wouldn’t go away and worked back into the game to trail by one with just over 5 minutes remaining. The Hornets clamped down defensively to outscore the Bobcats 9-2 after that to take the victory. Kyriek Dixon scored a career high 21 points and head coach Tom Billeter said he’s finally playing healthy.
Dixon said it was great to finally have a home game.
Arhman Lewis returned from an ankle injury with 13 points while Parker Day had a career high eight assists. ESU (2-5) opens up MIAA play against Northwest Missouri on Thursday in a doubleheader. Coverage begins at 5:00 p.m. on the Hornet Sports Network/Mix 104.9.
