Turnpike Tussle season finale features pair of comebacks, wire-to-wire games
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Basketball fans in Lee Arena had the honor of seeing two great basketball games on Saturday.
Emporia State visited Washburn for a doubleheader with men's basketball and women's basketball. Washburn won the women's game, 59-58 in overtime. ESU put together a comeback win to take the men's game, 80-76.
Women's Recap
The Ichabods overcame a 13-point third quarter deficit to force overtime. In OT, Gabi Giovannetti hit what would end up being the game-winning 3-pointer in the final minute. ESU made a basket which would've given them the win, but the shot release came after the clock hit zeros.
WU was led by Aubree Dewey with 16 points, five assists and five rebounds. ESU saw Faith Paramore lead all scorers with 20.
Washburn finishes the regular season 13-15 overall and 8-14 in conference play. The Lady Hornets finish the regular season 13-15 and 10-12 in conference play.
Which NE Kansas high school basketball teams are state bound?
Men's Recap
The second game of the day in Central Topeka saw a comeback win, too. This one, however, had the opposite result.
Emporia State overcame a 19-point deficit to complete the season sweep of its in-state rival. The 'Bods led by 14 at halftime and maintained a double-figure lead with under six minutes left in the game.
Emporia State can thank, in part, a 36-point performance from Owen Long for the comeback effort.
After Washburn led by two with 1:09 left, 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions for Long gave ESU the lead for good.
Emporia State men's basketball finishes the year 20-11 overall and 11-11 in MIAA games. WU finishes 18-10 overall, including a 14-9 record in the conference.