Northeastern (Okla.) State didn’t have to wait long to try to get its revenge on Emporia State.
Just six days after the Hornets defeated the Redmen, 75-70, in Tahlequah, Okla., the two teams hook up again today in the Greg Rahe “Voice of the Hornets” Classic in White Auditorium.
“I don’t think there’s any question that it will be another competitive game,” ESU coach David Moe said. “They’re very well-coached.”
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at White Auditorium.
One could make the case that the Redmen have been gameplanning for the Hornets for an entire six weeks now.
Northeastern State (0-1) faced ESU in the season-opener and has not played a game since.
The two teams split a pair of games last year — with each squad winning at its home court.
This season, ESU has the chance for the sweep in just the 10th day of the regular season.
“We certainly played a lot better this year, but I know Northeastern will come back,” Moe said. “It’s a week later, so I’m sure they’ve made some adjustments.”
The first game was a battle the whole way, as ESU took control in the final minutes.
Trailing by one with 2:37 remaining, ESU guard DeAndre Townsend contributed a three-point play to give the Hornets a two-point lead.
Northeastern State’s Steve Neal hit a jumpshot, but ESU forward Jordan Fithian responded with a tip-in to regain the lead.
From there, it was defense that saved the Hornets. A steal from Andrew Davison and subsequent layup pushed the lead back to three with under a minute to go, and Wes Book added a steal with 16 seconds remaining, draining a pair of free throws to seal it.
In all, the game had six ties and 14 lead changes.
ESU also is coming off a 113-87 victory Tuesday over Baker where its offense was nearly unstoppable.
The Hornets scored 62 points by halftime and reached the 100-point mark with 6:45 left in the game.
“We did a lot of good things on offense,” Townsend said. “Our defense — we’re working. We’re still getting better and it’s coming along.”
ESU also will take on Central Oklahoma in what should be another competitive matchup on Saturday.
The Bronchos are 3-0 on the season after rolling to a 99-70 victory over St. Gregory’s (Okla.) in their last game.