The Emporia State basketball teams picked up a sweep of Central Missouri at White Auditorium on Wednesday night.
The Lady Hornets led for all but 93 seconds of the game in a 76-63 victory over the Jennies. ESU led 17-13 after one and outscored UCM 23-15 in the 2nd to take a 40-28 lead at the half. Central made a run in the fourth to cut the deficit to single digits but ESU hit 12 of 14 free throws in the period to come up with the win. Head coach Brian Ostermann said the game was huge for both teams.
Katie Horyna led the way with 20 points. She said the team played with poise.
Tylieea Wallace and Gracie Gilpin each scored 11 points. Queen Ulabo added 11 rebounds.
In the men’s game the Hornets led for all but 96 seconds and pulled away late for a 75-51 victory over the Mules. ESU had a nine-point lead in the first half but UCM cut into the deficit late to trail 29-26 at the break. ESU shot nearly 59% from the field in the second half outscoring Central 46-25 in the period to pull away for the victory. Head Coach Craig Doty said the second half was key.
Alijah Comithier scored 12 of ESU’s first half points and finished with 21. Cael McGee and Owen Long each added 13. McGee said his success was due to not forcing his own offense.
With the wins, after extrapolating tiebreakers, both teams appear headed to Kansas City for the MIAA Tournament. ESU returns to action Saturday to host Lincoln. Pregame coverage begins with the RV Doc Pregame Show at 1:00 p.m. on Mix 104.9. Listen online at KVOE.com/listen.
