SBU Loses at Emporia State
Emporia State 59, Southwest Baptist 53

EMPORIA, Kan.- Despite shooting only 7.7 percent from the three-point line, the Lady 'Cats hung close with first place Emporia State on Wednesday, losing 59-53.

Alicia Mercer was the first to get on the board for SBU when she hit a layup 42 seconds into the ballgame. SBU got up by nine with 10:55 remaining in the first half (17-8), but Emporia State went on a 21-9 to end the half and take the lead into the lockerroom.

SBU was down by one at halftime (29-28), and the Lady ‘Cats were 17-61 from the field on the evening, shooting .279.
In the second half, the Lady Hornets came out with a 12-2 run to go ahead 41-30 with 11:19 remaining. SBU used a 13-5 run of its own to get the game within three, 46-43 with 6:59 left to go. The ball went back and forth until SBU got within one (50-49) with 2:06 on the clock. Both teams traded two free throws to make the score 52-51 with 1:45 left.

ESU scored seven straight points in the last 1:43 to go up 59-51. The Lady Hornets connected on five-of-eight free throws and a layup in that time. Jenny Miller hit a jumper with seven seconds left to cut the deficit to six, but it was too little to late as the Lady ‘Cats lost their fifth conference road game of the season.

SBU was led by Gwyn Smith with 19 points. Alicia Mercer had a double-double after adding 14 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.

The Lady ‘Cats other highlight was their performance from the charity stripe. SBU knocked down 18-of-19 throws from the line on Saturday for a .947 shooting percentage.

SBU returns to action at home on Saturday, Fev.1 when it hosts Northwets Missouri at 1:30 p.m.

Boxscore - ESU 59, SBU 53