The Emporia State men`s basketball team got their first win of the regular season against Bethany last Wednesday, 97-57. It was the team’s first win in White Auditorium this season. ESU (1-1) lost their first regular season away game against Central Oklahoma 116-114 in two overtimes last Monday.
The Hornets showed a sharp sting against Bethany with two consecutive three point shots made by senior guard Lamar Wilbern to start off the contest – the Hornets led the game at 8-3. BU would take the lead at 8-12 with a 9-0 scoring run during next four minutes. It was the last lead of the game for Bethany.
Senior point guard Tim Niles took back the lead for the Hornets by making a couple of three point shots. Emporia State appeared to have lots of confidence as they attacked the basket on their way to a 12-0 scoring run.
However, ESU lost their second best scorer in Wilbern because of a left ankle injury with 7:26 left in the first half. BU closed ESU’s lead to 24-22.
With Wilbern out, Niles served as the go-to guy for the Hornets. He scored seven points – a couple of free throws, one three point shot and a quick jump shot in a fast break – in just one minute of play. Niles also aided the team with an assist to senior guard Jeremiah Box, who capitalized with a trey. In addition, at the end of the first half Niles made a buzzer beater three point shot. It set the score in a favorable position for the Hornets at 50-31.
“That was a big shot for us,” Niles said. “I had to play more aggressive before shooting the ball. My teammates have a lot of confidence in shooting the ball. I just had to.”
The Hornets were not satisfied with the success of the first half. The team tried to attack the basket – Niles, Box and junior forward Adam Holthaus combined for 15 points in the first five minutes of the second half, which increased the Hornets lead to 65-43.
For Emporia State’s second unit, junior guard Matt Boswell showed great hustle plays – he got eight rebounds and three steals while scoring 15 points in the game.
“Definitely I tried to get the rebound a lot,” Boswell said.
Senior center Doug Moore was dominant in the inside with 11 points, seven boards and one block. Box celebrated his first win of this season with a one-handed dunk, which occurred at 9:21 left in the second half.
ESU showed good fire power with 11 three point shots made. The team set a school record with 18 three point shots made in the last game versus
“We shot 26 three point shots with pretty good percentage,” said Head Coach David Moe. “We attacked the basket and they attacked with three point shots, too. We attacked the basket with little guys.”
Niles, who scored 22 points in this game, is averaging 33.5 points per game on the season.
“Tim is terrific,” Moe said. “He certainly stepped up. He did a good job and has a lot of leadership as a senior. He is a big part of our offense.”
Boswell was pleased with the team’s performance.
“I thought we played really well,” Boswell said “We have back to back on Monday night – we will hopefully get the win.”
Up next, ESU will have a return match with Central Oklahoma on Monday at White Auditorium.
Moe`s only concern for next game is the condition of Wilbern.
“He sprained his ankle,” Moe said. “Hopefully he will be coming back as soon as possible, but he might not be able to play next game. Other guys have to step up to fill his gap.”
-JungHwan Seo/The Bulletin
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