January 13, 2024 – The Emporia State men struggled offensively, scoring a season-low 53 points in 60-53 loss on the road against Central Missouri.
Both teams started slowly on the offensive end, as a three from
Alijah Comithier was the lone basket in the first four minutes of the game. Entering the first media timeout at the 13:39 mark of the first half, the Hornets and Mules combined for just five field goals as the score was tied 6-6.
Following the media timeout, a layup from
Solomon Oraegbu and a three from
Owen Long gave Emporia State an 11-6 lead. The Mules responded with six consecutive points as they took their first lead, 12-11, at the 10:38 mark of the first half.
Over the next seven minutes, the Hornets and Mules exchanged the lead six times as Emporia State led 22-21 with 3:02 remaining following a three from
Solomon Oraegbu. Emporia State and Central Missouri each scored two points in the final three minutes as the Hornets held a 24-23 lead entering the halftime break.
In the first half, both teams shot below 40% while the Hornets went 5-13 from three and held a 22-13 rebounding advantage over the Mules.
Emporia State opened the second half on a 7-1 scoring run to build a 31-24 lead, their largest lead of the game which forced a timeout from Central Missouri with 17:47 remaining.
Central Missouri put together a 13-4 scoring run leading to the media timeout with 14:16 remaining as the Mules led the Hornets 35-34.
After allowing four straight points to the Mules after the timeout, Emporia State put together a 10-3 scoring run, capped off by an
Owen Long three at the 9:36 mark to put the Hornets ahead 44-42.
Both teams traded baskets over the next two minutes with an
Owen Long layup restoring the lead for Emporia State, a 48-46 advantage for the Hornets with 7:25 remaining.
Emporia State struggled over the final 7:25, recording just two made field goals as Central Missouri outscored the Hornets 14-5 as Emporia State fell 60-53 on the road.
Atavian Butler led the Hornets with 17 points and added a career-high 9 rebounds.
Solomon Oraegbu scored 15 points with eight rebounds.
Owen Long scored 10 points with five rebounds and four assists.
Emporia State will return home on Wednesday, January 17 as they host Pittsburg State. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from White Auditorium.
