COMEBACK COMES UP SHORT FOR EMPORIA STATE MEN

January 13, 2018-In a game that saw both teams give up double digit leads, Emporia State came up on the short end of a 89-87 loss to Northeastern State on Saturday in White Auditorium.
 
The Hornets built a ten point lead at 26-16 with 8:20 left in the first half and had a 32-24 lead with 5:54 remaining.  The RiverHawks closed the half on a 14-4 run to take a 38-36 lead into the locker rooms.
 
Coming out of the half Northeastern State would extend the run to 27-7 when Jamir Andrews hit his second of back to back three-pointers to take a 51-39 lead with 16:48 left in the game. The RiverHawks would go seven of ten from the three point line during the run.
 
The Hornets still trailed by ten with 13:02 left when they went on a 13-2 run and retook the lead at 62-61 on a Stephaun Limuel's old-fashioned three point play off an offensive rebound with 9:09 left.  Neither team would take more than a one possession lead over the next five minutes of action.  Brandon Hall hit two free throws with 4:25 left to tie the game at 74.  The RiverHawks then went on a 6-0 run to take an 80-74 lead with 2:44 remaining. 
 
Grant Shell hit a jumper and Garin Vandiver nailed a three-pointer for the Hornets with 1:25 left to tie the game at 81.  Andrews hit two free throws with 1:08 left and then scored on a fast break layup and one to give the RiverHawks a 86-81 lead with 44.9 seconds left. Limuel scored on a put back with 26.1 left to bring ESU within three.  Andrews connected on one of two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to make it a two possession game.  Brandon Hall was fouled with 16.1 seconds left and hit both free throws to make it 87-85. Andrews was fouled and hit both free throws with 14.6 remaining to push the lead back to four points.  Hall was fouled again on drive and hit both charities with 8.3 seconds left to bring Emporia State within 89-87.  Andrews was called for travelling with 7.0 seconds left to give the Hornets one more chance at a tie or win.  Hall drove from the right side of the lane but his pull up jumper fell short and time elapsed before they could get a rebound and another shot off as Northeastern State won their first league game.
 
Brandon Hall ended with 22 points to lead five Hornets in double figures.  Stephaun Limuel had 16 points and 13 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. They were joined in double figures by Brian Morton and Grant Shell with 14 points each while Garin Vandiver added ten points.
 
The Hornets are back in action on Wednesday, January 17 when they travel to Pittsburg State. Tip-off from John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, Kan. is set for 7:30 p.m.