January 2, 2016-In a game of runs Lincoln had the final one as Emporia State fell 71-65 on Saturday afternoon in White Auditorium. Both teams overcame deficits of at least nine points in the contest.
WEATHER THE STORM
Emporia State withstood an early blitz by Lincoln as the Blue Tigers jumped out to a 12-3 lead in the first 2:53 of action. They would extend the lead to 21-10 as Anthony Virdure scored ten points in the first 5:42 of the game.
THE HORNETS RUN
The Hornets used a 10-4 run to go into half time down by three at 39-36. The would change that into a 15-1 run over 5:11 of time that spanned halftime to build a 49-40 lead with 15:44 left in the game. The Blue Tigers would not score their first field goal of the second half until O'Shai Clark hit a jumper with 14:35 remaining.
BLUE TIGERS GET BACK IN IT
Clark's jumper started a 17-4 run by Lincoln that gave them a 57-53 lead with 7:58 left. Emporia State would stay close and cut the lead to 65-64 with 2:16 left on a Jevon Taylor three-pointer. With the shot clock running down Virdure hit a jumper to push the lead back to three with 1:46 left. Richie Lewis hit a pair of free throws with 40.6 seconds remaining to make it 69-64 Lincoln. Josh Pedersen had a chance to make it a one possession game but hit just one of two free throws with :25.8 left. Lincoln scored with just over a second left for the final margin.
THE NUMBERS
Charles McKinney was seven of eight from the field for 14 points while adding five rebounds, five assists and three steals. He was joined in double figures by Jevon Taylor with 12 points and Micah Swank with 11 points.
UP NEXT
The Hornets have another quick turnaround as they play host to Lindenwood on Monday night. Tip-off from Slaymaker Court in White Auditorium is set for 7:30 p.m.
