Emporia State shot 45.3 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Pittsburg State Gorillas 37-32, to help them claim the victory 81-78 from White Auditorium on Feb. 5. 

Junior guard Andrew Pengel sparked the Hornets early with a couple of threes in the start of the game to lead 6-2. Pittsburg State responded with their largest lead of the night to advance 21-17. 

Freshman guard Jack Weigus made both free throws to put the Hornets ahead 30-29, then followed those free throws with a three pointer to increase their advantage 33-29.

The Gorillas rallied back, but ultimately ESU outscored them 10-4 over the last two minutes of the half to go 48-44 at the break.

After the break, PSU went on a run outscoring ESU 9-2 to take a 53-50 lead. A three from sophomore guard Justin Mack put the Hornets back ahead 60-57.

Sophomore forward Chris Harris’ three gave the Hornets their biggest lead of the game to make it 68-62. The Gorillas rallied again to tie the score 72-72 with 5:18 left. 

Three points from junior forward Olafur Styrmisson and a three from Harris kept the lead in Hornets’ hands with a six-point advantage. The Gorillas took the opportunity to trim their deficit after ESU missed their next two field goals, but senior guard Trey Redd countered it with a layup to keep the Hornets up 80-75 with 40 seconds remaining. 

Pittsburg State had an opportunity in the corner but didn’t complete it as the rebound was received by Styrmisson, securing a 81-78 win for the Hornets.

Emporia State will play again on Feb. 12. at Fort Hays State University with tipoff at 7:30 p.m.