The odds were stacked against the Emporia State womens basketball team when they took the floor Wednesday for their MIAA tournament opener against Central Oklahoma. The Lady Hornets would be playing without their leading scorer and MIAA leading scorer Tre’Zure Jobe. She would miss the game with a shoulder injury she suffered in the final game of the regular season against Washburn. Central Oklahoma took advantage of her absence for a 71-57 win over Emporia State.
Central jumped out to an 8-0 lead. Emporia State rallied to take a 23-21 lead in the second quarter but the Bronchos used a 16-7 run to close out the half to take a lead they would not give up. Central would use a 14-0 run to start the 2nd half to put the game out of reach.
Assistant Coach Kiel Unruh said it came down to making shots.
Faith Paramore and Victoria Price led the Lady Hornets in scoring with 10 points each.
The Emporia State women finish the season with a 14-15 record.
Central Oklahoma will play Central Missouri Thursday. In the other first-round game Northwest Missouri State defeated Newman 70-54. Northwest will play Nebraska Kearney Thursday.
In men’s first-round play, Missouri Western outscored Washburn 69-63. Western will play Northwest Missouri State Thursday.
Missouri Southern defeated Northeastern State 70-60. Southern will play Central Oklahoma Thursday.
The Emporia State men will play Lincoln Friday in their first-round game at 12 pm.
