Bearcats Lose on Road Again
Emporia State 80, Southwest Baptist 72

EMPORIA, Kan. - In a game that was missing both teams’ top scorers, it was evident it could be an interesting night. D.J. Hogue and Robbie Ballard both missed the game because of injuries.

However, Emporia State wasted no time getting on top of the Bearcats, scoring the game’s first eight points. SBU made the game close at 14-11 with 13:28, cutting the deficit to ESU to three, but the Hornets would go on a 17-5 run to go up 15 with 8:28 left in the first (31-16).

The Hornets maintained the double digit lead for most of the final eight minutes of the half, adding to their deficit at the end of the period with a 9-0 run to go into the lockerroom on top, 47-29.

Emporia State jumped out to a 20-point lead twice within the first two minutes of the second half. However, SBU went on a 17-4 stretch to shrink the lead to seven (57-50) with 11:09 remaining. SBU got within in five (64-59) with 7:08 left in the game and stayed within seven points from the Hornets for the remainder of the game. The Hornets hit four-of-six free throws down the stretch to put the game away.

The Bearcats return to action on Saturday, Feb. 15 when they host Northwest Missouri State. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Boxscore - ESU 80, SBU 72