November 19, 2011-Emporia State led the defending Missouri Valley Conference Champions by six late in the first half, but Missouri State started the second half on a 10-4 run to pull away on the way to a 71-45 win in Springfield, Mo.

There were five ties and seven lead changes in the first 13 minutes of the game before ESU went on a 9-4 run to take a 28-22 lead with 5:02 left in the half. MSU then closed the frame on an 11-0 run to go to the locker room ahead 33-28.

ESU trailed by just eight at 43-35 on Antonio DiMaria’s three pointer with 17:35 left in the game. MSU then went on a 14-2 run to go up by 20 points at 57-37 with 10:00 left.

The Hornets were led by Tola Lawal with 14 points and three assists. He was joined in double figures by DiMaria with and Chris Sights with 12 points each. Troy Pierce had a team high seven rebounds for the Hornets.

The Bears were led by Jarmar Gulley and Kyle Weems with 11 points and eight rebounds each.

The Hornets are back in action on Monday, November 21 when they play host to Bethany. Tip-off from White Auditorium is set for 7 p.m.