January 31, 2026-Emporia State cut a 13 point lead down to two but could not get over the hump in a 70-64 loss at Central Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon in Edmond, Okla.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets trailed 7-6 with 15:32 left in the opening half when the Bronchos went on an 11-2 run to take an 18-8 lead with 12:56 remaining in the period.  Andrew Pengel hit two free throws with 4:40 left to get Emporia State within 25-20.  UCO closed the half on a 12-4 run to take a 37-24 lead into the locker room.
A 10-0 run that saw five different Hornets score got ESU within 49-46 with 9:58 left. A Matthew Willenborg three-pointer gave the Bronchos a 53-48 lead but Justin Mack answered with a three of his own to make it 53-51 with 6:50 remaining. The Hornets got a defensive stop but could convert on the offensive end. Josh Nwankwo then went on a personal 6-0 run to push the lead back to 59-51 with 4:38 remaining. Dallas Bear hit a three with 3:53 left to pull the Hornets within 61-57. The Bronchos hit five of eight free throws in the final 1:18 to hold on for the 70-64 victory.
 
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Chris Harris had17 points and ten rebounds for his second double-double of the year. He was joined in double figures by Andrew Pengel with ten points, all in the first 16 minutes of the game. Dallas Bear and Elijah Wilhelm each had nine points and five rebounds.
Emporia State was seven of 14 from the free throw line in the second half after going six of seven from the line in the first half.
 
UP NEXT
After a four game road swing Emporia State will return to White Auditorium on Thursday, February 5 to take on Pittsburg State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. with a performance by Annika Wooton Speed Painting at halftime.