November 14, 2025 – Emporia State men's basketball rallied late before falling on a game-winning shot by Wayne State on Friday in the season opener.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Through the first media timeout, the Hornets and Wildcats were tied 11-11, which included seven points by
Chris Harris. Following the first break, Wayne State outscored the Hornets 11-3 on their way to a 22-14 lead, their largest of the first half. Emporia State eventually climbed back to tie the game with 4:13 remaining until half following back-to-back layups by
Andrew Pengel.
Over the final four minutes of the first half, the lead changed hands four times, with the Hornets lead 45-44 at the break.
Emporia State shot 16-32 in the first half, while the Wildcats shot 61.3% from the floor and 6-10 from three.
Following the break, the scoring pace for both teams slowed down, and at the 10:30 mark, the score was knotted at 60-60. The next two minutes favored the Wildcats as they scored the next seven points, capping off an 11-0 scoring run to lead the Hornets 67-60 with eight minutes remaining.
The deficit increased to 74-65 with 5:31 remaining as an Emporia State timeout triggered the media break. After the break, Emporia State scored 11 of the next 13 points over the next five minutes, including a basket by
Olafur Styrmisson with 31 seconds remaining to the tie the game 76-76.
On the ensuing possession, Wayne State converted an 18-foot fadeaway with 14 seconds remaining, as the Wildcats retook a 78-76 lead. A three pointer with four seconds left by the Hornets came up short, and a pair of free throws by the Wildcats sealed the game as the Hornets fell 80-76.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State shot 26-57 from the floor in the game, but just 11-27 in the second half.
Andrew Pengel had a team-high 22 points on 6-12 shooting and 3-7 from three while shooting a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line.
Chris Harris scored 14 points, while
Dallas Bear and
Trey Redd each had 11 points of their own.
UP NEXT
The Hornet men will be back in action on Saturday, November 15 in game two of the Hillyard Tipoff Classic as they take on St. Cloud State. Tipoff between the Hornets and Huskies is set for 2:00 p.m.
