Emporia State grabbed a spot in the MIAA Tournament after a 10-0 run midway through the second half helped them take control in a 73-67 win at Missouri Western last Saturday afternoon.

The Hornets trailed 10-9 after the first media timeout but went on a 9-0 run capped by back-to-back three-pointers by senior forward Josh Pederson to take an 18-10 lead with 8:45 left in the half. The Griffons answered with three straight three-pointers of their own to retake a 19-18 lead with 6:17 remaining. Missouri Western led by four with 1:05 left before Brian Morton, junior guard, cut the deficit to 25-23 heading into half.

The Griffons were within one with 11:54 left in the game when the Hornets took control with a 10-0 run. During the run, Jay Temaat, senior guard, and Brandon Hall, sophomore guard, each had four points, helping put ESU up 49-38 with 9:43 remaining. The Griffons scored five straight free throws to cut the Hornet lead to two at 63-61 with 1:48 left.

Emporia State answered with four straight from the line with 51.3 second remaining, but the Griffons hit two three-points to cut the lead back to two with 19.6 seconds left. Pederson stepped to the line and hit his 30th consecutive free throw with 19.2 seconds left to give Emporia State 71-67 lead. Two more free throws by Temaat capped a 73-67 victory for the Hornets.

Emporia State (12-13, 8-8 in conference) will return to White Auditorium to host Southwest Baptist on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30.

Statistical information provided by ESU Athletics.