Senior Livia Brito

BOLIVAR, MO -- The SBU Lady 'Cats played well tonight, but were defeated by #11 Emporia State 68-82.

Cortney Shewmaker scored a career-high 25 in tonight's loss. Livia Brito scored 16 and grabbed 7 rebounds. Amber Wheeler added 13.

Emporia's Michelle Stueve scored 22.

The game was tied for the seventh and final time at the 8:48 mark. Cortney Shewmaker sank a pair of free thows to make it 55-55. But from that point, Emporia stretched out the lead, and won by 14.

After the game, coach Jim Middleton was pleased with the way his team played.

Senior Amber Wheeler

"Free throws were a major key in the game. We shot 12 to their 33. We were down 8 at the half, but roared back to take the lead. Their 'high-low' hurt us tonight. There is no question - we're playing our best basketball right now. This team is getting better and better - and the girls believe in themselves. We only had 10 turnovers tonight, and Emporia usually forces 20. I'm proud of the girls fighting hard tonight without Rachel Graves. Shewmaker was consistent offensively throughout the game. She did a great job on their key player, Stueve. We're fired up going to Kansas City to face Washburn. I feel positive and I'm really enjoying watching this team play right now. I don't like to lose, but this team is evolving - and on the way to where we want to be."

The SBU's first game of the MIAA tournament will be in Kansas City against Washburn, Friday, March 2 at 6 PM.

Final Stats