February 16, 2017 - The #13 Lady Hornets improved to 22-4 on the season, 13-4 in the MIAA with an 84-67 win Thursday night at home against Southwest Baptist. Kathryn Flott had career highs 31 points and 19 rebounds to lead Emporia State.
Emporia State took a quick 4-0 lead to start the game to keep the lead the rest of the first quarter, not allowing the Bearcats to get any closer than two points. The Lady Hornets had as large a lead as 13 points, 23-10, in the first quarter at the 2:29 mark. Emporia State scored ten points off of Southwest Baptist turnovers in the first quarter. Kelly Moten had ten points at the end of the first.
The Lady Hornets kept a steady lead through the second quarter before a 37-31 lead at halftime. At the half, Emporia State was out-rebounding Southwest Baptist 17-11 with seven offensive boards. Moten and Flott both had 12 points, Moten shooting a perfect eight for eight from the stripe.
Flott opened up the second half with a layup just eight seconds in to take a 39-31 lead. The Bearcats would get within four at 44-40 with 5:21 left in the third quarter. Moten would follow with an and-one, missing the free throw, Flott grabbing the rebound and draining a three to take a quick 49-40 lead with 5:00 remaining. Southwest Baptist closed the gap 54-49 to end the third quarter. The Lady Hornets had six second chance points in the third quarter.
Flott started the fourth quarter with back-to-back shots to take a 58-49 lead for Emporia State. The Bearcats got within five again, 63-58, with 6:54 remaining in the game. A quick 5--0 run by the Lady Hornets opened it up again, leading 68-59 at the 5:08 mark. Emporia State maintained at least an eight point lead the rest of the game en route to a 84-67 win.
Emporia State shot 25 for 32 from the line, Moten shooting 14 for 16 and Flott a perfect six for six on the night. Flott led all players with a career high 31 points and a career high 19 rebounds, nine offensive, shooting 12 for 19 from the field. Moten followed with 24 points with six assists and six rebounds. Addie Lackey joined in double digits with 13 points. Jacee Kramer had four assits.The Lady Hornets out-rebounded the Bearcats 45-29.
Flott's 19 rebounds is the most from a Lady Hornet since Merissa Quick's 20 rebounds in a 61-48 upset of #5 Washburn in 2013.
The #13 Lady Hornets will host Northeastern State on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in White Auditorium.
