HORNET MEN COME UP SHY AT #14 MISSOURI SOUTHERN

January 4, 2012 -- The Emporia State men’s basketball team outshot #14 Missouri Southern .490 to .460, but could not overcome a strong Lion rebounding effort in an 82-73 loss. ESU was outrebounded 41-26 as MSSU got three more field goals and seven more free throws to fend off the Hornet attack.

ESU trailed 45-32 at halftime, and would trail by as much as 19 early in the second half. ESU would cut the lead to six with 11:58 to play and used strong three-point shooting to cut the lead as low as one point with 2:46 to play. ESU would not hit another shot though as MSSU made five of six free throws to close out the game.

Antonio DiMaria had four three-pointers and led the Hornet effort with 16 points and six rebounds. Taylor Euler went three of five from behind the arch and added 12 points. Chris Sights also had 12 points while Travis Dykman finished with a career high 11 points. Troy Pierce rounded out five Hornets in double figures with 10 points on the night.

The Hornets will return home on Jan. 7 to face Pittsburg State for a scheduled 7:30 p.m. tip-off.