Hornets overcome slow start to edge BU, 73-65

EMPORIA, Kan. -- Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II program, used a decisive middle stretch and a large advantage in shot attempts to hand Bellevue University a 73-65 exhibition loss Wednesday evening at White Auditorium.

The Hornets missed their first eight shots from the field, allowing the Bruins to build an early lead, but ESU recovered to take control in the second and third quarters. Bellevue remained within single digits for much of the fourth quarter and outscored the Hornets 25-19 in the final period before its comeback bid fell just short.

The contest counted on ESU's record but served as an exhibition for the Bruins, who remain 6-6 overall. The Hornets improved their official mark to 7-3.

Bellevue was led by Zakiyyah Muhammad's 15 points and eight rebounds. Joy Beran added 11 points and eight boards, while Drasoni Kyles chipped in seven points and two assists. Karoline Ellison (six points, six rebounds), Jhanel Coleman (six points, seven rebounds), and Emma Russell (five points, one 3-pointer) also contributed offensively for the Bruins.

ESU placed four players in double figures, led by Vanessa Coleman's 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting, including 4-for-6 from 3-point range. Gracie Gilpin finished with 12 points and three steals, while Micah Hannah and Macey Gandee each scored 11 points. 

Despite the loss, Bellevue shot a higher percentage from the field, finishing at 40.8 percent (20-for-49), including 34.8 percent (8-for-23) from 3-point range and 73.9 percent (17-for-23) at the line. ESU countered with volume, attempting 31 more shots and going 37.5 percent (30-for-80) from the floor, 23.3 percent (7-for-30) from beyond the arc, and 33.3 percent (6-for-18) at the stripe. The Hornets held a 40-38 edge on the glass and committed just four turnovers compared to 18 for the Bruins.

How It Happened

Bellevue started quickly, building a 12-5 lead in the first quarter behind early 3-pointers from Danielle Coyer and Russell and free throws from Beran as ESU misfired on its first eight field-goal attempts. The Hornets answered with an 8-1 run to close the period, pulling even at 13-13 after 10 minutes.

The Bruins grabbed their last lead at 23-21 midway through the second quarter before the Hornets seized control. ESU closed the half on a 13-2 run, fueled by balanced scoring from Coleman, Hannah, and Gandee, to take a 34-25 advantage into the locker room.

ESU extended the momentum into the third quarter, scoring the first six points of the half to stretch the margin to 40-25, its largest lead of the night. Bellevue responded with a series of trips to the free-throw line from Muhammad and a driving basket by Russell, but the Hornets maintained a double-digit cushion and carried a 54-40 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Bruins produced their best offensive stretch in the final period, scoring 25 points and repeatedly trimming the deficit to single digits. Perimeter shots from Coleman and Kyles, along with a late driving layup from Muhammad, helped BU stay within striking distance in the closing minutes. ESU, however, answered with timely scores from Coleman and Hannah, and a layup by Kaitlyn Sanders with 3:00 remaining stood as the Hornets' final field goal as they closed out the 73-65 decision at the line.

Top Performers

Bellevue University

• Zakiyyah Muhammad: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 3-pointer, 6-for-7 FT

• Joy Beran: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 3-pointers, 5-for-6 FT

• Drasoni Kyles: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 3-pointer

• Jhanel Coleman: 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 3-pointer

• Karoline Ellison: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal

• Emma Russell: 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 3-pointer

Emporia State University

• Vanessa Coleman: 16 points, 6-for-10 FG, 4-for-6 3FG, 3 rebounds

• Gracie Gilpin: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals

• Micah Hannah: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks

• Macey Gandee: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks

• Kaylin Noonan: 3 points, game-high 9 rebounds, 3 assists

Inside the Numbers

• ESU attempted 31 more field goals than Bellevue (80-49) and seven more 3-pointers (30-23).

• The Bruins shot better from the field (40.8 percent to 37.5) and from 3-point range (34.8 percent to 23.3), as well as at the line (73.9 percent to 33.3).

• The Hornets held a 40-38 rebounding edge and limited themselves to just four turnovers, while the Bruins committed 17.

• Emporia State held an 18-6 advantage in points off turnovers.

Up Next

The Bruins will resume Frontier Conference action when they travel to Billings, Mont., on Friday, Jan. 2, for a 6 p.m. (CT) contest at 17th-ranked Rocky Mountain College.