LIBERTY, Mo. - The William Jewell men's basketball team fell to Emporia State 67-57 in the 2022-2023 home opener. The Cardinals drop to 1-3 with the loss. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After two ceremonial shot clock violations to honor the late Larry Holley, the Cardinals got off to a strong start, taking a 20-15 lead, led by triples from Mason Alexander and Robbie Hanson.
• Jewell battled foul trouble as Emporia State closed the half by outscoring the Cards 17-12 to lead by five at the break. 
• Emporia State increased their lead to 12 early in the second half, 44-32, but the Cardinals quickly responded with a 12-0 run to tie the game, on another three from Alexander. 
• A bucket by Emporia State's Alijah Comithier put the Hornets back in front and pushed their lead to eight over the next two minutes. Jewell had opportunities down the stretch but the Hornets connected on eight free throws late to take the victory.   

KEY STATS

• Jewell won the battle in the paint, outscoring the Hornets 30-22 and out-rebounding them 37-31, led by Heri Tshiyoyo. 
• Alexander finished with a team high 18 points while Tshiyoyo added 10 for his second double-double of the season, to go with three blocks. 

UP NEXT
The Cardinals are back on the road next week as they head to the Drury Thanksgiving Classic to take on Arkansas Tech and Southwestern Oklahoma State.