Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Emporia State Hornets shot 54 percent from the field and got 38 bench points to beat Nebraska-Kearney, 79-68, Thursday night at the Buckle Court.
 
This was the MIAA opener for these 3-3 teams. 
 
Shooting 59% (16 of 27) in the second half, Emporia led for the final 32 minutes. With nine different players in the scoring column, the Hornets led 37-27 at the break and held at least six-point cushion over the final 20 minutes.
 
UNK struggled from the field, shooting 33% (9 of 27) in the first half and 44% (24 of 55) for the game. The Lopers got 18 first half points from Ravenna senior Connor Beranek to hang around but ESU closed the game on a 15-10 run to secure the victory.
 
"They really shot the ball well. On the defensive end of the floor, as a coach, you have to accept the fact teams are going to score. I thought we made them take tough shots. They hit them tonight," said UNK head coach Kevin Lofton.
 
Australian junior post Joshua Oswald and freshman reserve guard Brandon Hall scored 19 points apiece to pace Emporia with senior guard Terrance Moore adding 11.
 
Hall also had seven assists and no turnovers in 30 minutes with Oswald having five defensive rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal. Finally, junior reserve wing Jay Temaat had two of ESU's seven threes to score nine.
 
UNK did out rebound ESU, 34-31, but committed three more turnovers, 11-8. The Lopers also missed six free throws, 15 of 21, and were 5 of 19 from behind the arc. 
 
"We had easier offensive opportunities in the first half and didn't capitalize. They, like a lot of teams, are going to have an athleticism and size advantage over us. To make up for that, we have to make a good percentage of our shots. At times, we couldn't buy a basket," said Lofton.
 
Beranek finished with a team-best 22 points on 8 of 13 shooting. Playing all 40 minutes, Norfolk senior Ethan Brozek had a double double (14 points & 14 rebounds) with York sophomore guard having 15 points and six boards. The pair combined for 24 second half points.
 
Finally, Iowa sophomore post Trey Lansman had 10 points and two rebounds.
 
UNK hosts Washburn Saturday evening. The Ichabods (5-1, 1-0) have already beaten top-ranked Augustana and won at Fort Hays State.