The Emporia State basketball teams swept Pittsburg State at White Auditorium in Emporia on Thursday.
In the women’s game, Vanessa Coleman hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Lady Hornets to a 65-63 victory. The game was back and forth with neither team leading by more than two possessions in the game. The game featured nine lead changes and ten ties. Pitt State scored to take the lead with three seconds left. Off a timeout to advance the ball, Coleman came free and drilled the three as time expired to win the game. Head coach MJ Baker marveled at her freshman’s big shot.
Coleman said it felt good coming off her hand.
Coleman finished with a career-high 22 points while Kaitlyn Sanders added 14. ESU (12-10, 6-7 MIAA) had 16 assists with just eight turnovers in the game.
In the men’s game, a three-quarter court heave missed wide for Pitt State and the Hornets fended off the Gorillas in an 81-78 win. The game was back and forth with neither team leading by more than two possessions in the game. The game featured 17 lead changes and nine ties. The Hornets and Gorillas were deadlocked with five minutes to go and ESU never trailed after that. Five Hornets scored in double figures led by Andrew Pengel’s 15 points. Head coach Billeter said key stops down the stretch were huge in the victory.
Devin Conley said the atmosphere from the students, band, and fans also played their role.
Conley added 12 for the Hornets while Olafur Styrmisson pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds. ESU (8-14, 4-9 MIAA) outscored the PSU bench 33-7. The Hornets return to action Saturday to host Missouri Southern. Coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. on Mix 104.9.
