HORNETS CANNOT OVERCOME SLOW START IN LOSS TO WONDER BOYS

November 14, 2021-Emporia State could not overcome an early shooting slump in a 77-61 loss to Arkansas Tech on the second day of the MIAA-GAC Challenge in Hays, Kan.
 
The Hornets missed their first five shots from the field and fell behind 13-0 to start the game.  The deficit would reach 27 points with 1:14 left in the half before Peyton Rogers-Schmidt got a dunk and a layup in the final minute to make it 40-17 at the break.
 
Emporia State used a 12-0 run in the second half and cut the lead to nine on a Tray Buchanan fast break three-pointer with 8:57 left. The Hornets were within ten points with 2:35 left but the Wonder Boys scored the final six points for the 77-61 final.
 
Tray Buchanan scored 29 points and was a perfect 12 of 12 from the free throw line while Jumah'Ri Turner added 16 and Peyton Rogers-Schmidt had 14 points.  Gage McGuire was the only other Hornet to score, netting two points. Emporia State shot 50% from the field in the second half, outscoring Arkansas Tech 44-37 after the break, but could not overcome the 28% shooting in the first half.  Emporia State was also outrebounded 46-24 for the game.
 
The Hornets will be back in action on Wednesday night at Rockhurst.  Tip-off from Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse in Kansas City, Mo. is set for 7:00 p.m.