Fifth straight win for #24 Emporia State in 72-59 victory over UNK

January 18, 2023-Alijah Comithier scored 16 seconds into the game and #24 Emporia State never trailed on the way to a 72-59 win over Neb.-Kearney on Wednesday night in White Auditorium.
 
The two teams stayed close for the first seven and a half minutes with Emporia State leading 14-12 with 12:37 left in the half.  The Hornets then went on a 14-3 run to take a 28-15 lead on a pair of free throws from Comither with 6:29 left. Comithier would score ten straight for Emporia State as the run would eventually reach 20-6 and his fast break layup with 4:46 remaining gave him 18 points as the Hornets took a 33-18 lead.  ESU would maintain a double digit lead the rest of the half and took a 34-21 lead to the locker room.
 
Mayuom Buom scored inside to start the second half for Emporia State but Neb.-Kearney responded with a 7-0 run to close within 37-28 with 17:17 left and force a Hornet timeout. The Lopers would close to within 45-39 with 11:37 left on a fast break three-pointer from Darrian Nebeker.  After a turnover gave the ball back to the Lopers Buom blocked a Sean Evans layup and Atavian Butler got the ball to Owen Long who buried a three pointer with 10:46 left to ignite an 8-0 run.  Comithier converted an old fashioned three-point play to put the Hornets up 53-39 and the lead would not drop below 11 the rest of the night.
                                                                  
Nahcs Wahwassuck gave Emporia State their biggest lead of the night when he grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to make it 67-46 with 4:52 left.  Comithier hit a three pointer to give him 28 points and the Hornets a 70-50 lead with 3:20 remaining.  The Lopers would end the game on a 9-2 run for the final score of 72-59.
 
Alijah Comithier scored an ESU career high 28 points on nine of 12 shooting from the field including four three-pointers.  He was joined in double figures by Owen Long who scored 15 points with a career high five assists with four rebounds and two steals. 
 
The #24 Hornets, now 15-3 overall and 9-3 in the MIAA, are back in action on Sunday, January 22 when they play host to Fort Hays State.  Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.