November 28, 2015 - Emporia State fell to West Texas A&M 84-68 Saturday evening in the second day of the WTAMU Classic.
BEHIND EARLY
The Buffaloes gained an early lead over the Hornets, starting on a 14-2 run at the beginning of the game. A three minute dry spell for West Texas A&M allowed Emporia State to stay in the game, closing the gap 18-12 with 11:34 left in the half. A 9-0 run allowed the Hornets to take their only lead of the game at 28-26 on two Josh Pederson free throws with 3:07 left in the half. The Buffaloes then ended the half on a 13-2 run to take a 39-32 lead into the locker rooms.
SECOND HALF
Charles McKinney opened the second half with a dunk to cut the lead to five but West Texas then went on a 15-0 run to take control of the game. The Hornets 45.5% field goal percentage in the second half couldn't do enough to hang with the Buffaloes.
THE NUMBERS
Four Hornets scored in the double-digits against West Texas A&M. Brandon Hall led Emporia State with 18 points, shooting nine for 13 from the field. Josh Pederson earned 15 points. Charles McKinney had 13 points on the night with five rebounds and three steals. Jay Temaat had 12 points with three asissts for the Hornets. Micah Swank led the Hornets in rebounding with six rebounds, adding three assists and two steals. The Hornets ended the game shooting 45.1% from the field.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will begin MIAA play at Nebraska - Kearney on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
