The Emporia State basketball teams fell in big losses to Rogers State at the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Okla. on Thursday.
In the women’s game, the Lady Hornets coughed up a 14-point lead to fall 70-57 to the Hillcats. ESU started the game well with a 13-2 run and led 37-26 at halftime. The Hillcats fought back and used a 17-0 run spanning the end of the third quarter into the fourth as part of a larger 30-7 run and the Hornets couldn’t slow down the Red & Navy. ESU committed 19 turnovers in the game while the Hillcats had just six including none in the second half. Head coach MJ Baker said her team got too comfortable with their lead in the third period.
Macey Gandee picked up her second double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. It was just the second win for the ‘Cats over E-State (10-10, 4-7 MIAA) in the history of the series.
In the men’s game, Rogers State unloaded on the Hornets on the way to an 86-48 victory over the Big Gold. It was the biggest win for the Red & Navy in the history of the series. The Hillcats built their lead to double-digits with an 11-2 first half run and led 36-20 at the break. ESU missed 12 of 13 shots heading into halftime. RSU put the game away with a 25-6 run that included 15-straight points to take a 70-35 advantage with eight minutes to go. RSU made 10 of 11 shots during the run. Head coach Tom Billeter was hard pressed for words after the game.
Treyvon Taylor led the Hornets with 16 points. ESU (7-13, 3-8 MIAA) returns to action at Central Oklahoma Saturday. The doubleheader is set to tip at 1:30 p.m.
