The Emporia State Hornets concluded their exhibition season with a game against the #7 ranked Jayhawks of Kansas University on Tuesday in Allen Field House. The Hornets were able to stay with the Jayhawks for the first ten minutes of play until Kansas eventually pulled away to win the game 90-59.

“It’s nice for us to come out and get some experience like this, especially with the new team that we have. I thought we did play hard, especially in the first half,” said Senior Guard Matt Boswell.

Runs from each team controlled the first half, as the Jayhawks jumped out to a nine point lead led by Travis Releford who had five of the team’s first seven points. Emporia State, led by Jarvis Nichols with six points in the stretch, fought back, however, as they cut the margin to five points with 11:19 left in the first half.

The Jayhawks athleticism would prove tough for the Hornets to overcome as the Jayhawks went on a 24-11 run to lead at half 44-26.

“They (the Jayhawks) covered a lot of ground with their athleticism,” said Junior Forward Christian Jackson. “Their bigs are strong and physical inside. Inside we’re small, but coaches tells us to go out there and compete. That’s all they ask of us is to go out there and compete. So that’s what we tried to do today, come out and give our best and compete.”

The run continued for Kansas entering the second half as their ability to get to the line and convert proved the difference maker. The Jayhawks would shoot29 free throws in the half to Emporia State’s four. The Jayhawks converted on 27 of the free throw attempts.

For the game, Jackson led all scorers with 18 points, 14 of which came in the second half. For the Jayhawks, Markieff Morris led the team with 14, and three players had 12 apiece. The Hornets were out rebounded on the game 40 to 25.

“They are a lot bigger than us down low, but I thought we did compete and play hard. Hopefully we can come together as a team and take this as a learning experience,” Boswell said.

Defensively the Hornets showed tenacity, as they were able to force Kansas to commit 16 turnovers. The Hornets also held Kansas to just 25 percent from the three point line.

Emporia State looks to begin their regular season this weekend as they travel to Bartlesville, OK. The Hornets take on West Texas A&M on Friday at 1 p.m. and Midwestern State on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Brandon Schneeberger/The Bulletin