HORNETS GET OVERTIME WIN OVER EVANGEL

November 26, 2011 -- The Emporia State men's basketball team needed overtime, but were able to come away with a 71-66 victory over Evangel in the SBU Thanksgiving Classic. The Hornets caught a break when the Crusaders Zack Kleine missed a free throw with 0.4 seconds remaining in the game to force the OT.

The game came to a wild finish as the officials twice went to the replay to determine that Evangel get two shots from the line with 0.4 seconds remaining. The Crusaders hit just one of two and ESU outscored them 11-6 in overtime to secure the victory.

Derrell Conner scored 19 points including the final two free throws to give ESU the victory. Troy Pierce added a double-double for the Hornets scoring 14 points and adding 11 rebounds. Chris Sights also finished in double figures adding 14 points as well for ESU. Tola Lawal had 10 points as four Hornets finished in doube figures.

ESU outrebounded Evangel 46-32 on the night as they picked up their fourth win of the season.

ESU will open MIAA play on Nov. 30 when they face Northwest Missouri on the road. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Maryville, Mo.

Notes:
ESU's only loss on the season came to NCAA Division I and Missouri Valley returning champion Missouri State