January 10, 2018-The Emporia State men built a 16 point lead in the second half and then held on for a 71-69 victory over Central Oklahoma on Wednesday night in White Auditorium.
The Hornets held the Bronchos scoreless for the first 5:14 of the game and led 10-2 with 13:54 remaining in the first half. A Garin Vandiver three-pointer with 6:37 left gave Emporia State their biggest lead of the first half at 23-11. The Hornets still had a ten point lead with 4:45 left when the Bronchos went on an 8-1 run to pull within 26-23 with 1:35 left in half. Vandiver scored inside to give Emporia State a 28-23 lead going to the locker room.
Jake Hammond scored the first five points of the second half for UCO to tie the game at 28 with 18:14 remaining. It would remain a one possession game for the next three minutes before Grant Shell hit back to back three-pointers to give the Hornets a 40-34 lead with 13:49 left. A 12-2 run would give Emporia State their biggest lead of the night at 56-40 with 7:38 remaining on Brandon Hall's old-fashioned three-point play. The Hornets still led by 12 with 3:40 remaining when the Bronchos went on a 15-4 run. Anthony Robertson hit one of two free throws with 2.7 seconds left to bring UCO within a point at 70-69. Duncan Fort was fouled on the inbounds pass and hit the first of two free throws with 1.5 seconds left to put the Hornets up 71-69. His second attempt was off and Corbin Byford grabbed the rebound for UCO. He was able to get off a three-quarter length court shot at the buzzer that was well off as the Hornets secured the home win.
Grant Shell led Emporia State with 13 points and was three of five from beyond the three-point arc. He was joined in double figures by Garin Vandiver with 12 points and six rebounds. Stephaun Limuel had ten points, a team high nine boards, three steals, two blocks and two assists in just 22 minutes.
The Hornets will be back in action on Saturday afternoon when they play host to Northeastern State. Tip-off from White Auditorium is set for 3:30 p.m.
