Emporia State hosted Pittsburg State in White Auditorium on Jan. 17. The Hornets came into the matchup with an overall record of 11-6, and 4-5 in MIAA play, while the Gorillas sit at an overall 9-5 and 5-3 in the conference.
Emporia took an early lead going into the half 32-24, but the Gorillas would attempt to crawl back after scoring the first six points to start the second half, making the score 32-30. However, ESU would then go on a 12-4 run, securing the win for the Hornets.
Emporia outscored the Gorillas shooting .419 and .360 from the three point line while holding Pitt to .414 and .176 from three.
Junior guard transfer from Ferris State SolomonOraegbu led the Hornets with a total of 21 points, six rebounds, and one assist. Followed by AlijahComithier and Owen Long who both added 13 points for ESU, While Comithier tallied six rebounds, and five assists. Long contributed three rebounds and five assists.
ESU now has an overall record of 12-7, and ranked number ninth overall in the MIAA conference standings.
The Hornets have now hit the stretch in the season where they will play a total of four away games. Currently ESU is 0-4 in away game match-ups
On Jan. 25, the Hornets will face off against the Lopers of Nebraska Kearney who sit at a 5-11 overall record. ESU will then travel to Hays to play against third ranked Fort Hays Tigers on Jan. 27, who’ve earned an overall record of 13-4.
Followed by Northeastern with a record of 6-11, and then close out with a game against Rogers state who currently sit at fifth place in MIAA play with a 10-7 record.
The Hornets will then return home to White Auditorium on Feb. 7 to face the defending MIAA champion, Northwest Missouri. The Bearcats are currently top ranked in the MIAA conference with a 13-4 overall record, and 9-2 in conference play.
