January 25, 2024 – Emporia State rolled past Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night as the Hornets opened their four-game road trip with a 76-55 win over the Lopers.
Both teams traded baskets in the opening minute before Emporia State put together a 16-4 scoring run capped off by a three from
Atavian Butler to give the Hornets an 18-6 lead at the 14:18 mark of the first half.
Emporia State continued to expand their lead throughout the first half, with their largest first half lead coming with 1:49 left until the halftime break as a
Tyreek Robinson layup gave the Hornets a 48-20 lead.
The Lopers would score the final two points of the first half, but Emporia State took a 48-22 lead into the halftime break.
In the first half, the Hornets shot 47.1% from the floor and 9-20 from three while allowing Nebraska-Kearney to shoot 10-29 and just 1-9 from three. Emporia State also held 24-15 rebounding advantage and forced six Loper turnovers.
Following the break, Emporia State increased their lead, building a 63-32 lead with 13:29 remaining over the Lopers, their largest lead of the game.
The Hornets cooled down offensively in the second half, shooting just 8-31 from the floor, but went 11-15 from the free throw and closed out a 77-58 win over Nebraska-Kearney.
As a team, the Hornets shot just 36.9% from the floor but made 11 threes, their third-highest mark of the season and second-highest in conference play.
Atavian Butler led all scorers with 22 points and five made threes, setting a new career-high.
Cael McGee scored 13 points, also setting a career-high.
Alijah Comithier and
Owen Long joined Butler and McGee in double figures, scoring 17 and 12 respectively.
Emporia State will return to action on Saturday, January 27 as they take on Fort Hays State. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Gross Coliseum in Hays, Kan.
