TOPEKA, KAN. -- Cold shooting cost Washburn men's basketball (3-5, 0-2) in its conference home opener against Emporia State (7-0, 1-0) on Saturday afternoon. The Ichabods shot 32% as a team and were unable to mount a comeback in a 74-63 loss.
The Hornets jumped out to a five-point lead in the first five minutes. Washburn's defense helped withstand a slow offensive start, and a five-minute stretch without allowing a point allowed the Ichabods to go on a 9-0 run and lead by three at the 6:29 mark.
Shots stopped falling for Washburn and on the other end Emporia State stayed aggressive, leading to 15 first half free throw attempts for the Hornets. A 14-4 Emporia State run to close the half gave them a 34-28 lead.
Out of the break Connor Deffebaugh scored six points in the first four minutes, tying the game for the Ichabods with 16 minutes left. The Hornets continued to attack the paint, finishing with 30 points in the blue for the game. A string of shots at the basket provided Emporia State with a nine-point advantage at the 11-minute mark.
Both sides traded baskets over the next five minutes. Washburn was able to cut the lead down to four on a 3-pointer by Jayden Hibbitt after he pulled down an offensive rebound. Emporia State continued to have answers, winding the shot clock down and knocking down shots late.
Back-to-back 3-pointers put the lead up to 12 with 2:37 left to play. It was cut to under 10 one more time before the final buzzer with the Hornets winning 74-63.
Andrew Orr led the Ichabods with 18 points, and had a double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds as well. Connor Deffebaugh finished with 17 points on 7-14 shooting but was limited to 29 minutes after fouling out with five minutes remaining. Jayden Hibbitt finished with a season-high 12 points and pulled down six rebounds off the bench.
Owen Long had 19 for Emporia State to lead all scorers, he knocked down five triples with six rebounds. The Hornets finished with three players in double figures.
Washburn had a lot of opportunities, winning the rebounding battle overall 46-35, including pulling down 22 offensive rebounds. They were unable to convert on the extra possessions, shooting 31.9% overall, and 19% from three, both season lows.
The Ichabods had only 12 turnovers in the game but were held to just seven assists.
Washburn is off for the next week, returning to action next Saturday, Dec. 10 against Rogers State in Claremore, Okla. at 3:30 p.m.
