The Emporia State Hornets could not overcome 26 points off of 28 turnovers by Missouri Western in a 70-61 loss Thursday night.
Missouri Western had 3 steals at the start of the game to take a 4-0 lead. Emporia State bounced back to take a 21-14 lead before the Griffons would retake the lead at the half 34-31.
Emporia State would never lead in the 2nd half. They would trail by as many as 12. They did cut the deficit to 5 with 4:26 to play but were outscored 11-7 to close out the game.
Emporia State Coach Craig Doty said they did not handle the pressure well.
Missouri Western finished with a season-high 21 steals. They had 4 players score in double figures led by Caleb Bennett with 22 points. He also had 8 steals tying a school record.
Coach Doty said there were several positives.
Emporia State was led by Jumah’Ri Turners 26 points. Austin Downing added 11 points. Dallas Bailey had a game-high 13 rebounds. They held Western 18 points under their season average but could not overcome the 26 points off 28 turnovers.
Emporia State falls to 5-3 for the season. They play at Northwest Missouri State Saturday. Tip-off is set for 2 pm.
