The Emporia State men’s basketball team fell 92-72 against Rockhurst to wrap up the first semester at Mason-Halpin Field House in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday. RU started the game on an 8-0 run which was matched by the Hornets. Rockhurst used a 10-2 run to retake the lead and held a 35-31 edge going into the half. RU started the second half on an 8-2 run and later used a 10-2 run to build a single-digit lead back to 15 at 61-46. The Hornets were unable pull within striking distance again. Head coach Tom Billeter said the team’s defense let them down in the second half.
Justin Mack led the Hornets with a career-high 18 points on 8 of 9 shooting. Chris Harris added 13. Rockhurst shot nearly 58% from the field and lit up the Hornets hitting 20 of 28 shots in the second half. ESU (4-7) is off for the Christmas break and will return to action on New Year’s Day on the road at Central Missouri. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. with coverage on Mix 104.9.
