Hailey
As the holiday season begins, both Emporia State University (ESU) basketball teams wrapped up the final games of their 2025 schedule with hard-fought losses.
While the results were not what the teams hoped for, the performances showed effort, learning moments, and clear areas to improve before conference play resumes.
The men’s team suffered a 92–72 loss against Rockhurst, while the Lady Hornets fell 72–64 to Angelo State. These games marked the final action of the year before Christmas and New Year’s, giving both squads time to rest, reset, and prepare for a fresh start in January.
At the end of 2025, the Hornets men’s record stands at 4–7, while the Lady Hornets finish at a solid 7–4.
Hornets vs. Rockhurst: Strong Start, Tough Finish
A Close and Competitive First Half
The game between the Hornets and Rockhurst started with high energy. Rockhurst jumped out to an early 8–0 lead, but ESU quickly responded with an 8–0 run of their own within the first five minutes.
For much of the first half, both teams traded baskets. Neither side managed to build a lead larger than three points, keeping the game exciting and close. With five minutes left before halftime, Rockhurst hit a key three-pointer and followed it with free throws to push their lead to six points.
Just before the break, freshman forward Treyvon Taylor knocked down two free throws, trimming the score to 35–31 at halftime.
Second-Half Struggles Cost the Hornets
While the first half was evenly matched, the second half told a different story. Rockhurst came out strong and controlled the pace of the game. Their offense was nearly unstoppable, shooting an impressive 71.43% from the field in the second half.
Rebounding also favored Rockhurst, as they outrebounded ESU 39–25. Although this did not lead to many second-chance points, it helped Rockhurst maintain control and build momentum.
Despite the loss, several Hornets delivered strong individual performances.
Key Player Performances – Hornets
| Player Name | Position | Points Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Mack | Sophomore Guard | 18 (career-best) |
| Chris Harris | Sophomore Forward | 13 |
| Andrew Pengel | Junior Guard | 11 |
The Hornets shot 48.48% from the field and scored 16 second-chance points from 10 offensive rebounds. However, Rockhurst’s shooting efficiency proved too much to overcome.
The Hornets close 2025 at 4–7 and will return on January 1, 2026, to face Central Missouri as MIAA conference play resumes.
Lady Hornets vs. Angelo State: Hot Start, Cold Finish
Explosive First Quarter Shooting
The Lady Hornets began their game against Angelo State on fire. They shot a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range and 9-for-16 overall in the first quarter.
This outstanding shooting helped ESU take a 24–15 lead, with the offense looking almost unstoppable early on.
Second Quarter Slump Changes Momentum
After the hot start, the offense cooled off sharply in the second quarter. The Lady Hornets scored only nine points, shooting 2-for-14 from the field and missing all six three-point attempts.
Despite the struggles, ESU still led 33–28 at halftime, but it was clear they needed more consistency to hold off Angelo State.
Three-Point Difference Proves Costly
In the third quarter, both teams played evenly in most areas. The key difference came from beyond the arc. Angelo State hit two more three-pointers than ESU, which allowed them to take a 49–48 lead heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter mirrored ESU’s second-quarter struggles. The Lady Hornets shot just 4-for-17, while Angelo State remained more efficient and pulled away for a 72–64 victory.
Key Player Performances – Lady Hornets
| Player Name | Role | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Kaitlyn Sanders | Graduate Guard | 26 points |
| Grace Gilpin | Senior Guard | 14 points |
| Kaylin Noonan | Sophomore Guard | 10 rebounds |
Kaylin Noonan recorded her third double-digit rebounding game in the last four outings, showing strong growth and consistency.
The Lady Hornets finish 2025 with a 7–4 record and will also return on January 1 to face Central Missouri in MIAA action.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Both ESU basketball teams now head into a well-earned holiday break. These final games of 2025 highlighted both strengths and weaknesses, offering valuable lessons as conference play approaches.
The men’s team will focus on defensive consistency, while the Lady Hornets will aim to maintain steady shooting throughout all four quarters. With fresh energy and preparation, ESU fans can expect competitive performances as the teams step into 2026 MIAA play.
While ending the year with losses is never ideal, both Emporia State basketball teams showed effort, resilience, and flashes of strong potential. The Hornets fought hard against Rockhurst, and the Lady Hornets displayed elite shooting stretches against Angelo State.
These games provided important learning moments that can shape future success. With a short break ahead and conference action returning soon, ESU has the opportunity to turn these experiences into growth and stronger performances in the new year.