January 10, 2026 – The Hornet men came from behind with 46 second half points on their way to an 82-79 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday from White Auditorium.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Emporia State jumped out to an early lead in the first four minutes, taking a 9-4 lead into the first timeout at the 16:04 mark of the first half. Nebraska-Kearney responded with ten straight points to take a five-point lead of their own with just over 12 minutes left in the first half.
 
The Loper lead continued to grow until the final four minutes with Nebraska-Kearney leading the Hornets 33-21 with 4:21 left until halftime. Emporia State responded with a 15-4 scoring run to the end the half as a three-point play from Treyvon Taylor cut the Loper advantage to 37-36 entering the halftime break.
 
Emporia State shot just 13-37 compared to 12-23 by the Lopers, as the Hornets held an 11-3 edge on the offensive glass. Treyvon Taylor had 12 points in the first half.
 
Nebraska-Kearney maintained their lead early in the second half and built their largest advantage of the second period with a 51-44 lead out of the first media break. Over the next nine minutes, Emporia State worked to fight back, with the Lopers holding the Hornets off until a Dallas Bear three with 6:37 left put Emporia State ahead 63-61.
 
The three by Bear was the first of four by the junior in the final seven minutes, with the final one putting Emporia State ahead 76-71 with 52 seconds remaining.
 
Emporia State held off the Lopers by making six of eight free throws on their way to the 82-79 win, their first in MIAA action this season.
 
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State shot 40.9% from the floor, while the Lopers shot 45.9%. The Hornets were able to force 18 Loper turnovers and went 10-31 from three compared to 8-31 by Nebraska-Kearney.
 
Dallas Bear had a career-high 24 points and six threes to lead the Hornets, including 17 points in the second half. Three more Hornets scored in double-digits, with Treyvon Taylor scoring 17 while leading the game with 12 rebounds, a new-career high.
 
UP NEXT
Emporia State's homestand continues on Thursday, January 15 with the home edition of the Turnpike Tussle. The Hornets will host #1 Washburn at 7:30 p.m. from White Auditorium.