Box Score
Bolivar, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist Men's Basketball Team, losers of four straight coming into tonight's game against Emporia State, was able to get back on the winning side Thursday night with a thrilling 78-76 win over the Hornets. Logan Hovey sank two free throws with 1.2 seconds left on the clock that proved to be the difference. The win improves SBU's record to 12-13 (6-10 MIAA) and ESU goes to 9-17 (4-13 MIAA). 

Hovey led all scorers in the game with 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds. The double double was Hovey's fifth of the season. Hovey shot an efficient 54.5% (6-11) including 40.0% (2-5) from three land, and a perfect 6 for 6 at the foul line. Chris Rossow, whose speed and quickness was electric all night, added 16 points to go along with 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Marlon Alcindor also chipped in 11 points in the winning effort. 

It was a great shooting night for the whole Bearcat squad as they made 56.9% (29-51) of their field goals, 46.7% (7-15) of their long balls, and 81.3% (13-16) of their free throws. SBU had the slight advantage on the boards over the Hornets, 33 to 30. Emporia State scored 36 points in the paint while the Bearcats had 32. Second chance points went in favor of the Bearcats as they scored 10 to Emporia's 7. Finally, SBU held ESU to 41.3% shooting for the game including 34.4% in the second half.

After an early 12-8 Emporia State advantage, SBU came back to tie the game at 14 on a three from Darnell Latham Jr. at the 12:24 mark of the first half. A 11-2 Hornets run forced a timeout from Clark Sheehy. With 5:03 to go in the half, the Hornets still led by nine points, 32-23. However, Rossow ignited the Bearcats with a couple jumpers and assists that resulted in a 12-0 SBU run that swung the advantage back to the Bearcats, 35-32. A three from Hovey with 26 seconds left in the half gave SBU a 38-37 halftime lead. 

At the 17:17 mark of the second half, ESU tied the game back up at 47 never regained the lead. For the next six minutes, SBU held small one to four point leads. That was until a 7-0 spurt capped off by a Kai Woodfall three extended SBU's advantage to 62-53 with 10:15 to go. By 5:39 mark though, the Hornets had reduced the Bearcat lead down to just two, 59-57. Four straight points from Hovey stretched SBU's margin back to six with 3:46 left. With 25 seconds remaining, ESU trailed by only two, 75-73. Rossow then split a pair of free throws, giving the Hornets a chance. Emporia State capitalized as Stephaun Limuel converted a three point play to tie the game at 76. After Rossow missed the potential game tying layup, Woodfall stole the Hornets outlet pass and fed Hovey, who was fouled with 1.2 seconds left. Hovey drained both free throws to send the Bearcats home winners, 78-76.

Southwest Baptist will be back in action for their final home game of the year on Saturday, February 17th when they host Washburn. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM from the Meyer Sports Center with Senior Day festivities beginning shortly before.