In a game that followed similar past scripts, the Truman Women’s Basketball team dominated the second half and buzzed past Emporia (Kan.) State for a 78-58 victory over the Lady Hornets to improve to 12-2 overall and 5-1 in the MIAA.
Truman outscored the Lady Hornets (7-6; 2-3 MIAA) 43-26 in the second half and held Emporia State to just 10 points over a 13 minute span to notch the first 20 point victory over ESU in the series history.
The win also set a new program best with their tenth straight home victory and the 2012-13 Bulldogs became just the second team in Truman history to start the season at 12-2.
After the Bulldogs took their largest lead of the first half at six, Laura Patrick knocked down a three-pointer at the horn. Following the intermission, Emporia scored the next four points to take a 36-35 lead.
Becka McHenry and ESU’s Merissa Quick exchanged baskets before Jennifer Conway put Truman on top for good at the 17:08 mark of the half. Conway and fellow post player Jessica Redd were tagged with two fouls each in the first half and limited to just six minutes apiece.
Conway’s bucket sparked an 8-0 run by the Bulldogs and following a steal by McHenry, Amy Briggs knocked down a wing three-pointer to push the Truman lead to 13 with under 12 to play.
From there the Bulldogs would go on cruise control as they shot 62% in the second half and made 19-of-20 free throw attempts. McHenry led Truman with 18 points with Nicole Gloor adding 17.
Patrick paced the Lady Hornets with 18 points but scored just four in the second half.
All five of Truman’s conference wins have been by more than 10 points with the last three coming by more than 20.
Courtesy Truman State University
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