December 3, 2015-Kelly Moten scored a career high 31 points to lead #1 Emporia State to a 73-64 win at Neb.-Kearney on Thursday night to open MIAA play. The win sets up an early season top five matchup of undefeated teams on Saturday when the Lady Hornets travel to #5 Ft. Hays State.
HAWAIIAN HANGOVER
The Lady Hornets, who didn't get back to Emporia until late from their Thanksgiving trip to Hawai'i, started off sluggishly. The Lopers led 5-3 with 7:44 left in the first quarter and the score would be tied eight times in the first half, the last at 31-31 with 2:02 left in the half. The Lady Hornets closed the half on an 7-0 run to take a 38-31 lead into the break.
TAKING CONTROL IN THE THIRD
Emporia State used a 9-0 run midway through the third quarter that turned a five point lead into a 57-43 lead with 2:15 left in the quarter. Moten had six of the nine points in the run with a couple of layups and two free throws. The lead would not drop below six points the rest of the night.
NUMBERS
Moten had 31 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal to lead the Lady Hornets. She was joined in double figures by Sandra Ngoie with 17 and Kathryn Flott with 12 points. Kyrstie Miller tied her career high with ten rebounds.
UP NEXT
The top ranked Lady Hornets return to Gross Memorial Coliseum to take on #5 Ft. Hays State in a rematch of the 2015 NCAA Central Regional Championship. Emporia State defeated the Tigers 66-61 last March on the way to the Final Four. Tip-off in Saturday is set for 2:00 p.m. in Hays, Kan.
