HORNETS START FOUR FRESHMAN IN ROAD LOSS AT CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

February 22, 2020-Emporia State used their 14^th different starting lineup and for the first time started four freshmen and led for most of the first half before eventually falling 75-65 at Central Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon.
 
With the score tied at 15 the Hornets went on an 8-3 run to take a 23-18 lead with 6:57 left in the first half.  The lead would reach six at 31-25 on a Gage McGuire layup with 3:11 left in the half but the Bronchos would close the period on a 9-2 run to take a 34-33 lead to the locker rooms.
 
Devin Rottweiler scored following a Duncan Fort steal with 16:25 left to tie the game at 38-38.  Keyon Thomas would nail a three-pointer with 12:30 remaining to pull the Hornets within 45-43 but the Bronchos would go on a 10-0 run to take a 55-43 lead with 9:59 left.  UCO took their largest lead of the day at 60-46 with 7:37 left but the Hornets went on a 12-2 run capped by back to back three-pointers from Jumah'Ri Turner to pull within four with 4:16 left.  The Bronchos would hit seven of nine free throws, including their last six in a row in the last 1:04 to ice the 75-65 victory.
 
Keyon Thomas and Gage McGuire each scored 13 points to lead Emporia State, going a combined 11 of 21 from the field.  Tyreek Robinson had a team high eight rebounds and added six points on three of five shooting.  Saadique Perkins was the other freshman in the starting line up and he went one of two from the field and two of two from the free throw line for four points.  Jumah'Ri Turner also reached double figures with 12 points off the bench.
 
The Hornets will return to White Auditorium for their final two games beginning with Northeastern State on Thursday.  Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

NOTES:
The Hornets played without freshman Mason Thiessen who missed his second game with concussion like symptoms.  Emporia State has now lost 78 games by players to injury this year.