December 16, 2015-Emporia State cut a 17 point second half deficit down to one point, but could not finish the comeback as the Hornets fell 78-73 at Missouri Southern on Wednesday night.
END OF FIRST HALF RUN
Although Emporia State never led the first 16 minutes were fairly tight and a Charles McKinney layup made it a three point game with 4:00 left in the half. Missouri Southern then finished the half on a 12-0 run to end the period and they took a 43-28 lead into the break. The Lions shot 64% from the field in the opening 20 minutes and scored 12 of their points off Hornet turnovers.
SECOND HALF RUNS
The start of the second half saw Missouri Southern build their lead to 17 points to open the frame before Emporia State went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to single digits at 45-36 with 15:51 left. The Lions would push the lead back to 16 and led by 11 with 5:45 left. The Hornets then went on a 14-4 run to cut the lead to 69-68 with 2:23 left on a Brandon Hall layup. Southern would hit seven of nine free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
THE NUMBERS
A total of 11 Hornets scored, led by Terrence Moore's 21 points. He was joined in double figures by Charles McKinney with ten points. For the second straight game Emporia State outrebounded their opponents, this time 33-32, and had fewer turnovers. Emporia State outscored Missouri Southern 55-51 but were outscored by nine from the free throw line. The Hornets were 18-28 from the charity stripe, going 16 of 20 in the second half.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will travel to Pittsburg State on December 19. Tip-off from John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, Kan. is set for 3:30 p.m.
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