December 2, 2017-A 3:40 scoring drought at the end of the first half cost Emporia State in 68-63 loss at Rogers State on Saturday afternoon in Claremore, Okla.
Neither team started the game out well on offense, as neither team scored in the first 2:31 of the game. The Hillcats finally got on the board with 17:31 left and the Hornets got their first points with 16:42 left in the half. Rogers State took a 17-7 lead with 9:54 remaining on a three pointer by Saint Hilaire. Stephaun Limuel scored for the Hornets with 8:51 left to start a 13-3 run for Emporia State. A Danny Hodge layup with 5:18 left would tie the score at 20. Limuel hit one of two free throws with 3:40 left to pull the Hornets within 26-23, but that would be the last score of the half for the Hornets. Rogers State ended the half on a 9-0 run to take a 35-23 lead to the locker room. The Hornets three leading scorers on the season, Brandon Hall, Brian Morton and Hassan Thomas were all scoreless in the opening 20 minutes, going a combined zero for seven from the field.
The Hornets would come out on fire to start the second half, using an 11-1 run over the first 3:38 to pull within 38-34 with 16:22 left in the game. Limuel scored the final four points of the run for Emporia State. The Hillcats would not get a field goal until Brewster Peacock hit a three-pointer with 14:08 left to put RSU up 41-38. That would be the largest lead the rest of the game but Emporia State could not get the game tied the rest of the way. Thomas hit two free throws with 4:59 left to pull the Hornets within a point at 56-55 but the Hillcats would hit 12 of 16 free throws in the final 4:42 to ice the win.
Stephaun Limuel led Emporia State with career highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds to go with three steals and two blocks in just 28 minutes of action before fouling out. Malik Hluchowweckyj was the only other Hornet in double figures, finishing with 11 points and four assists.
The Hornets will open MIAA play on Thursday, December 7 against Neb.-Kearney. Tip-off in White Auditorium is set for 7:30 p.m.
