Men's Basketball | 1/27/2012 1:17:00 PM
TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD
The Hornets will travel Truman on Jan. 28 as they face the Bulldogs for the second time this season. ESU will play five of their final eight games away from White Auditorium.
LAST TIMEOUT
ESU outscored Missouri Western 18-10 over the final 2:45, but the Griffons hit just enough shots from the free throw line to hold on for a 72-66 victory. ESU trailed by as much as 15 in the first half, but would get as close as four points in the final minute. Tola Lawal led the way with a career high 28 points and also had five rebounds. Chris Sights hit a career high four three pointers as he added 20 points in the Hornet effort.
THE COACHES
Shaun Vandiver is 8-10 in his first year at ESU. The former NBA round draft pick spent the last ten years as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, most recently at Boise State University. As a player he led Hutchinson CC’s to the 1988 NJCAA National Championship before earning first-team All-Big 8 honors at Colorado. He is 1-0 in his career against Truman.
Matt Woodley is 5-14 in his first season at Truman. He is 0-1 in his career against the Hornets .
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
Truman is 5-14, 3-9 in the MIAA this season. They are led by Seth Jackson who is averaging 12.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Tom Norton is averaging 11.4 points per game.
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the 41st meeting between the two teams with ESU holding a 27-13 overall advantage. ESU is currently on their longest winning streak against the Bulldogs having taken the last nine meetings. ESU leads the series 14-6 in Pershing Arena.
LAST TIME VS. TSU
Christian Simmons hit a layup at the buzzer to give Emporia State a 60-59 win over Truman on Dec. 17. Tola Lawal had a then 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. Chis Sights added 12 points for ESU.
UP NEXT
The Hornets will stay on the road when they travel to Central Missouri on Feb. 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Warrensburg, Mo.
