The Missouri Western men’s basketball team came up short on the road against the Emporia State Hornets falling 87-80. The Griffons had four players score in double figures with Ryan Devers dumping in 21. Hans Thun and Charlie Marquardt had career highs with 18 and 11 points respectively. The Griffons fall to 7-7 overall and 2-4 in MIAA play.
Despite shooting just 30.3-percent (10-33) from the field the Griffons went into the half down just one at 37-36. Ryan Devers hit a half court shot as time expired on his way to 12 first half points. Six different Griffons scored in the frame.
The Hornets opened the game scoring five of the first seven points. The Griffons then went on a 12-4 run opening up a five point advantage at 14-9 with 15:40 to play after two Ryan Devers free throws. The Hornets came right back going on 8-0 run taking a 17-14 lead with 13:08 to play.
The Griffons outscored the the Hornets by two the rest of the half going into the locker room down just one. The Griffons made 4-of-12 long range shots and 12-of-15 free throws. Hans Thun had seven points while Devers had six rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Hornets made 15-of-30 field goals and 6-of-9 free throws. They out rebounded the Griffons 25-18 with Gavin Brown recording 10. Kaleb Wright scored 16 points while Paul Bunch had 10.
In the second half the Hornets were able to open up an eight point lead a 68-60 with 9:03 to play after a Gavin Brown three point play. The Griffons picked up the defense the rest of the game goin gon a 17-9 run taking a 77-74 lead after an Adarius Fulton free throw with 2:51 to play in the game.
The Hornets used a 5-0 run claiming a 79-77 lead after a Terrence Moore Layup with 2:17 to play. Kalvin Balque then nailed a three with 1:44 to play givin gthe Griffons their last lead of the game at 80-79. The Hornets outscored the Griffons 8-0 down the stretch improving to 10-6 overall and 3-3 in MIAA play.
The Griffons shot 39.1-percent (27-69) from the field and 34.8-percent (8-23) from long range. The Griffons also made 18-25 from the line but got outrebounded 44-30. Adarius Fulton was the other Griffon in double figures with 15. Devers had eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Hornets shot a sizzling 61.1-percent (33-54) from the field with three players score in double figures. Wright led the way with 28 points while Terrence Moore dumped in 20. Gaving Brown had 12 points and 17 rebounds.
The Griffons return to action on Saturday, January 11 with a road contest against the Pittsburg State Gorillas in Pittsburg, Kan. Game time is set for 3:30 pm in John Lance Arena.
— MWSU Sports Information —