The Emporia State men’s basketball team shot just 57% from the free throw line while allowing Rockhurst to make 55% of its shots in an 87-84 defeat to the Hawks on Friday at White Auditorium in Emporia. The game was tight throughout with neither team holding a lead of greater than six points. ESU used an 11-2 run in the first half to take their first lead and held a 35-32 edge at the break, but Rockhurst went 7-for-11 from outside the arc in the second half to keep the Hornets behind. ESU finished just 12-for-21 at the free throw line. Head coach Tom Billeter said that was big at the end of the game.
Malik Edwards Jr. led four Hornets in double figures with 19 points. Parker Day had his second career double-double matching his personal best of 12 points and grabbing a career high 11 rebounds. Forward Don Coates III was injured in pregame warmups and did not play. ESU (4-7, 1-1 MIAA) returns to action on January 2 at home against Central Missouri.
