November 25, 2016-Despite another second half rally, Emporia State could not overcome a 20-2 deficit to start the game in a 91-74 loss at #17 Drury on Friday afternoon in Springfield, Mo. The Hornets outscored the Panthers 61-52 in the middle 26 minutes of action but the slow start and an eight of 12 effort from the line by Drury down the stretch was to much for Emporia State.
The Panthers led 20-2 with 13:13 left in the first half when the Hornets went on a 27-13 run to pull within four points with 2:14 left in the half. A layu at the buzzer gave Drury a 37-30 lead going to the locker rooms.
A Josh Pedersen three-pointer pulled the Hornets within 42-38 with 17:55 left in the game. The Panthers then went on an 8-0 run to go up 50-38 with 15:03 left and Emporia State would not get within eight points the rest of the game.
Brandon Hall led the Hornets with 17 points and was joined in double figures by Pedersen with 11 points and five rebounds.
Emporia State is back in action on Saturday when they play Missouri S&T at 1:00 p.m. in the Drury Thanksgiving Classic in Springfield, Mo.
