Hailey
The Emporia State Hornets had a tough night on the road as scoring problems and early mistakes proved costly.
In a men’s college basketball matchup on January 23, 2026, the Hornets struggled to find rhythm on offense and could not slow down the Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions, falling 83–59.
A slow start, poor shooting, and too many turnovers put Emporia State in a deep hole early—one they were never able to climb out of.
How the Game Unfolded
A Promising Start Turns Into Trouble
Emporia State actually opened the game on a positive note, scoring first to take a 2–0 lead. However, that early basket would be followed by a long and difficult stretch.
Over the next 12 minutes, the Hornets managed to make just one of their next 15 shots. During that same span, they also committed six turnovers, giving the Lions plenty of easy chances.
Arkansas–Fort Smith took full advantage, going on a massive run to build a 32–9 lead. The Hornets struggled to move the ball, missed open looks, and had trouble handling the Lions’ defensive pressure.
First-Half Struggles Continue
Emporia State tried to respond, but the gap remained wide. The Hornets were unable to get the deficit below 16 points before halftime. By the time the buzzer sounded, the Lions were firmly in control with a 43–20 lead.
First-Half Numbers That Hurt
The stats told the story of the opening half:
- 10 turnovers
- 8-for-28 shooting from the floor
- 1-for-8 from three-point range
Those numbers made it very difficult for the Hornets to stay competitive.
Second Half: Brief Hope, Same Result
A Short Push After the Break
After halftime, Emporia State showed some fight. The Hornets briefly cut the deficit to under 20 points, giving hope of a possible comeback. Their energy improved, and they found a few scoring chances.
Lions Take Full Control
That momentum did not last long. Arkansas–Fort Smith quickly regained control, increasing the pressure and converting their opportunities. With 10 minutes remaining, the Lions stretched the lead to 71–36, their largest advantage of the night.
Emporia State continued to battle until the end and made six of their final 14 shots, but the damage had already been done. The game ended with an 83–59 loss for the Hornets.
A Look at the Stats
Team Shooting and Ball Control
Emporia State finished the game shooting:
- 33.3% from the field
- 4-for-20 from three-point range
Turnovers and missed shots were major factors that kept the Hornets from staying close.
Individual Highlight
Despite the team struggles, Chris Harris stood out. He scored 11 points, making him the only Hornet in double figures. This performance also marked his 10th straight game scoring in double digits, showing his consistency even in a tough loss.
Key Game Stats
| Category | Emporia State | Arkansas–Fort Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 59 | 83 |
| Field Goal % | 33.3% | Higher efficiency |
| Three-Point Shooting | 4–20 | Strong perimeter play |
| Turnovers (1st Half) | 10 | Forced pressure |
What’s Next for the Hornets
The road trip continues for Emporia State. The Hornets will travel to Claremore, Oklahoma, on Thursday, January 29, for a conference matchup against the Rogers State Hillcats.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The team will be looking to clean up turnovers, improve shooting, and get back on track.
This loss highlighted the challenges Emporia State faces when shots are not falling and turnovers pile up early. A slow offensive start allowed Arkansas–Fort Smith to control the pace from the opening minutes, making it hard for the Hornets to recover.
While the final score was disappointing, the game also showed areas for growth—especially ball handling, shot selection, and defensive consistency. With another road game coming up, the Hornets will aim to learn from this performance and bounce back stronger in their next outing.