January 24, 2015-Kelly Moten had 15 points, ten rebounds, five assists and three steals as #2 Emporia State wrapped up a five game road trip with a 63-53 win at Central Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The win sets up a battle for first place in the MIAA on Wednesday when #17 Ft. Hays State comes to Slaymaker Court in White Auditorium.
The two teams traded scores to open the game and were tied at 8-8 with 16:01 left in the half. The Lady Hornets then went on an 8-0 run to take a 16-8 lead with 14:20 left on Moten's old-fashioned three-point play. Emporia State would maintain the lead the rest of the half, taking a nine point lead at 31-22 with 3:23 left before settling in with a 32-27 lead at the break.
Addie Lackey hit a three-pointer and Merissa Quick connected on two free throws to start the second half and give the Lady Hornets a 37-27 lead with 17:34 left. Central Oklahoma then went on a 15-2 run to take a 42-39 lead with 12:03 remaining. A Moten steal and fast break layup followed by a pair of free throws from Kathryn Flott gave the Lady Horents the lead back at 43-42 with 10:55 left.
Ashley Stephens hit a lay up to give the Bronchos their last lead of the game at 44-43 with 10:35 remaining. Emporia State then went on a 12-0 run to retake control of the game. Moten had the final eight points of the run with back to back three-pointers and another fast break layup to give the Lady Hornets a 55-44 lead with 4:48 left. Emporia State hit eight of 12 free throws in the final 1:14 to ice the win.
Moten was joined in double figures by Lackey with 11 and Flott with ten points. Flott nearly had a double-double finishing with nine rebounds.
First place in the MIAA will be on the line Wednesday night when the Lady Hornets play host to #17 Ft. Hays State. It will be the first home game for the Lady Hornets since a 97-52 win over Lindenwood on Jan. 5 in White Auditorium. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
NOTES:
Merissa Quick had seven rebounds to pass Stacy Humphrey and become just the eighth Lady Hornet with 800 career rebounds.
