Hornets lose to Bronchos, again
Originally published 08:07 p.m., November 23, 2009
Updated 09:41 p.m., November 23, 2009
Emporia State and Central Oklahoma’s game Monday night came down to the last possession again, and once again Central Oklahoma found a way to escape with a 76-73 win.
The Hornets had the ball on the sideline, down two, with 6.1 seconds left. Tim Niles lost his dribble and the Bronchos stole the ball to seal the victory, their second over ESU in a week.
Niles was held in check after exploding for 45 points in ESU’s 116-114 double overtime loss a week ago at UCO. Niles took only four shots and scored eight points.
Lamar Wilbern picked up the slack, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He had two big baskets — a 3-pointer and a putback of his own miss — during a 9-1 run that pulled the Hornets to within two.
Dustin Andrews scored what would have been a game-tying shot with 1:46 left, but the shot was waved off and Andrews was called for a charge, and the Hornets would not score again.
Blake Livingston led the Bronchos with 18 points, and Eric Cazenave added 15.
Adam Holthaus scored 13 for ESU and Dustin Andrews added 12.
Emporia State dropped to 1-2 and UCO improved to 2-2. For complete coverage of Monday’s game, check Tuesday’s Gazette.
Half
Emporia State and Central Oklahoma played what could be considered an epic game last Monday when UCO won 116-114 in double overtime.
So far Monday night’s sequel has not disappointed. Central Oklahoma leads 46-43 at half.
Emporia State led most of the half and even led 32-24 after Tim Niles got a steal and layup. The basket was Niles only points of the half and he has three fouls. He scored 45 points last week, but has attempted only one shot so far.
Lamar Wilbern leads the Hornets with 10 points and four rebounds. Adam Holthaus has nine points, and Jordan Stout has made two 3-pointers and has six points.
Eric Cazenave leads UCO with 12 points, and Blake Livingston added 10 points. Both players were suspended for last Monday’s game against the Hornets.
Both teams are shooting well and struggling to take care of the ball. Emporia State made 57.7 percent of its shots in the first half and has 10 turnovers. Central Oklahoma shot 68 percent and also has 10 turnovers.