January 9, 2025 – The Emporia State men struggled offensively throughout their road game against Fort Hays State on Thursday night, as the Hornets fell 69-44 against the Tigers.
The Hornets and Tigers got off to a slow offensive start as the first basket for Emporia State came from
Devin Conley at the 15:53 mark as Fort Hays State held a 4-2 lead through the first four minutes. Heading into the second media timeout at the 11:54 mark of the first half, the Hornets managed just four points and trailed the Tigers 11-4.
Fort Hays State controlled the remaining 12 minutes of the first half, building on their lead until the halftime break, as the Hornets trailed by as much as 23 points. A layup from
Devin Conley on the final possession before half made the score 38-17 through 20 minutes.
In the first half, Emporia State shot just 7-22 from the floor and 2-8 from three while Fort Hays State shot 50% from the floor and held a 21-12 rebounding advantage over the Hornets.
Following the break, the Hornets once again got off to a slow start in the second half, with just six points through the first seven minutes before a three from
Justin Mack at the 13:33 mark made the score 47-26 in favor of the Tigers. Emporia State struggled to trim the deficit any further, as Emporia State eventually fell to Fort Hays State 69-44.
Malik Edwards was the lone Emporia State player with double-digit points, scoring 10 points.
Karyiek Dixon had nine points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Emporia State will return to action on Saturday, January 11 as they host Nebraska-Kearney from White Auditorium. The Hornets and Lopers are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
