December 7, 2017-Emporia State used a 13-3 run to turn a four point deficit with 2:44 left into a 76-69 win over Neb.-Kearney to open MIAA play for the Hornets.
In the first half the Lopers used a 10-1 run to take a six point lead at 21-15 with 7:54 left in the half. UNK would lead by as many eight points in the first half and were up 32-25 with 3:54 left in the period. The Hornets closed the half on a 12-3 run to take a 37-35 lead to the locker rooms.
Emporia State led most of the second half and were up 63-60 with 5:24 remaining when Neb.-Kearney went on a 7-0 run to take a 67-63 lead with 2:44 left. Garin Vandiver scored in the paint with 2:03 left to cut the lead to 67-65 and Grant Shell drilled a transition three-pointer with 1:35 remaining to give the Hornets a 68-67 lead. Back to back buckets by Brian Morton pushed the lead to five at 72-67 with 26 seconds left. Yahsua Trent hit two of three free throws with 21 seconds left to cut the lead to three but Morton and Stephaun Limuel were each perfect from the line in the final 17 seconds to give the Hornets the win.
Limuel had career highs in scoring and rebounding for the second straight game finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds to go with a career high five steals for Emporia State. Morton scored a game high 20 points and they were joined in double figures by Vandiver with 13 and Hassan Thomas with ten points off the bench.
Emporia State is back in action on Saturday afternoon when they play host to Ft. Hays State. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. in White Auditorium.
