Men's Basketball | 12/22/2011 12:42:00 PM
December 17, 2011-Christian Simmons hit a layup at the buzzer to give Emporia State a 60-59 win over Truman on Saturday afternoon in White Auditorium. It was the second straight game for the Hornets that was decided by a lay-up that was hit under ten seconds.
ESU trailed at the half 24-19, but used a strong opening to the second half to build a lead of as much as nine. However, the Bulldogs led the Hornets by four points with 12 seconds to play. Tola Lawal hit a three-pointer with seven seconds to play to cut the lead to one. ESU would then force a Truman turnover as the TSU player went over the in-bounds line giving ESU the ball.
With six seconds remaining ESU inbounded the ball and Lawal dished it to Simmons who made only his second field goal of the season to give ESU the win. It pushed ESU's record to 5-0 in games that are decided by three points or less or in overtime.
Lawal had a career high 27 points going five for five from the free throw line. Troy Pierce had his third double-double of the year as he finished with ten points and ten rebounds. Chris Sights also had double figures for the Hornets adding 12 points to the effort. Simmons had only two points but pulled down five rebounds on the defensive end.
The Hornets move to 7-3, 3-1 in MIAA play this year. They will next play on Dec. 31 when they travel to Southwest Baptist for a scheduled 3:30 p.m. tip-off from Bolivar, Mo.
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