The Emporia State mens basketball team gave the number 1 ranked team in the nation Northwest Missouri State a scare in the quarter final round of the MIAA tournament Thursday afternoon before losing to the Bearcats 82-79.
Northwest led most of the afternoon. Emporia State would make a run late in the game. Tying the game at 71 and 73. The Hornets trailed by 1 at 77-76 and 80-79 but could never take the lead before losing 82-79. Emporia State Coach Craig Doty called it a great effort.
Julius Jackson scored a career and game high 38 points to lead the Hornets. Aaron McGee was the only other Hornet to score in double-figures finishing with 10 points. Kooper Glick was held in check by Northwest finishing with 8 points.
The Hornets finished the season with a 14-16 record. Senior Hassan Thomas said they still had a great season.
Northwest Missouri State remains undefeated at 30-0.
In the other quarterfinal game Washburn defeated Southwest Baptist 77-58.
