EMPORIA STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL GETS 73-69 WIN OVER SWOSU TO OPEN SEASON

November 13, 2021-Emporia State built a 19 point first half lead on the way to a 73-69 season opening win over Southwestern Oklahoma on Saturday night in Hays, Kan.
 
The Hornets jumped out to a 12-4 lead at the first media timeout.  The two played even over the next ten minutes with Emporia State leading 30-21 with 4:28 left in the half. The Hornets used a 10-0 run capped by Gage McGuire's three pointer with 1:55 left to make it 40-21.  The Bulldogs got a pair of three pointers to go to the half with Emporia State leading 40-27.
 
The second half started with Tray Buchanan and Kaden Evans matching SWOSU with a pair of three pointers to put the Hornets back up by 19 at 46-27 with 19:00 left in the game. 
 
Buchanan hit one of two free throws coming out of the under ten minute timeout to give Emporia State a 57-45 lead.  The Bulldogs used an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 57-53 with 6:13 remaining.  Buchanan converted a four-point play with 3:38 left to put the Hornets up 62-55.
 
Deangelo Adkins hit a three-pointer with 2:06 left to cap an 8-2 run and pull SWOSU within a point.  The Hornets would convert nine of ten free throws in the final 1:49 to hold off the Bulldogs for the 73-69 season opening win.
 
Tray Buchanan led all scorers with a career high 31 points including an 11 of 13 effort from the free throw line.  Jumah'Ri Turner had 16 points and Kaden Evans scored 12 to join him in double figures. 
 
Emporia State is back in action on Sunday evening when they take on Arkansas Tech in Hays, Kan.  Tip-off from Gross Memorial Coliseum is set for 5:00 p.m.