BOLIVAR, Mo. -- Courtney Creed had a career high 29 points, but the comeback attempt of the SBU Bearcats came up short as they fell to the #8 Emporia State Lady Hornets 89-81. The Bearcats (7-15, 4-11) trailed by 23 points in the first half but cut the deficit to five points in the second half.

The teams stayed close for the first six minutes before the Lady Hornets (20-3, 14-2) would break the game open on a six and a half minute 24-4 run that would give ESU their largest lead at 36-13 with 7:12 left in the first half. SBU would cut into that margin, trimming the margin to 46-34 at the half.

Courtney Creed

A pair of free throws from Creed would get SBU to within 53-48 with 14:35 left in the second but that was as close as SBU would get.

Creed’s career high came on 10-of-17 shooting including 3 for 6 from long range. Rachel Graves had 17 points and Jasmine Sanford added 11 points and 8 rebounds.  Ida Edwards had 19 points to lead the Lady Hornets. Edwards and Brittney Miller each 12 rebounds for ESU. Emporia out-rebounded SBU 52-34. This stat was not lost to head coach J.C. Carter.

“Rebounding was a key for us and it didn’t go our way. We played hard though. Shewmaker and Graves getting in foul trouble hurt us but Heady came in at the point and did well. Creed also played well. We’ve been in every game and that’s something that is coming from our never die attitude.”

Foul trouble was another key in the game as 47 fouls were called between the two teams. SBU was 16-for-24 from the stripe while Emporia was 17-for-27.

The Bearcats continue their home stand on Saturday when they host another nationally-ranked opponent in the Washburn Lady Blues. Tipoff is 1:30 p.m.

Final Stats