December 7, 2024 - In a game where neither the Hornets or Griffons led by more than seven points, Emporia State outlasted Missouri Western 74-72 for the first MIAA victory of the
Tom Billeter era.
Emporia State got off on the front foot with a 7-2 scoring run, which featured a steal and transition dunk from
Brayson Laube. The Griffons responded with an 17-6 run of their own, as they built a 19-13 lead, their largest of the first half. The Hornets responded with seven straight points, including five from
Chris Harris, to retake a 20-19 advantage with 10:39 left in the first.
Over the next ten minutes, the lead changed hands on four occasions, with neither team leading by more than one possession until the final 30 seconds before halftime. With the Hornets leading 34-33 with 1:23 left, a second chance basket from
Donald Coats III and a jumper from
Brayson Laube in the final minute pushed the Hornet lead to 38-33 heading into the halftime break.
In the first half, the lead changed hands 12 times and despite the Griffons shooting nearly 50% from the floor, the Hornets shot 16-30 and held a slight 15-13 rebounding advantage.
Following the break, Missouri Western put together 15-4 scoring run over the first 4:39, building a 48-42 lead, the largest of the game for the Griffons. Emporia State quickly answered back with an 14-4 run of their own, taking a 56-52 lead with 11:11 remaining after the Hornets got threes from
Chris Harris and
Devin Conley. Missouri Western was able to retake a 57-56 lead with just over nine minutes and held the advantage until just under eight minutes remaining.
After a Hornet timeout with 8:01 remaining, Emporia State scored on a jumper from
Arhman Lewis to retake a 58-57 lead with 7:50 left in the game. The Hornets would not trail for the remainder of the game, and eventually held their largest lead of the game, 71-64 with 3:53 remaining. Emporia State managed just one point for most of the last four minutes, as Missouri Western clawed back to eventually bring the score level 72-72 with nine seconds remaining.
The Hornets took a timeout with 5.8 remaining and out of the timeout, Malik Edwards delivered a floater with 1.2 seconds remaining to give Emporia State the 74-72 lead. The Hornets stole the ensuing inbounds pass and clinched the road win over the Griffons.
Five Hornets scored in double figures, with
Chris Harris leading the way, scoring a career-high 15 points.
Donald Coats III scored 12 points,
Brayson Laube scored 11, and
Karyiek Dixon and Malik Edwards each scored ten of their own. Dixon had a team-high eight rebounds while
Arhman Lewis had five assists.
Emporia State will return to action on Tuesday, December 17th as they host Sterling College. Tipoff between the Hornets and Warriors is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from White Auditorium.
