TOPEKA (KSNT) – Round two of the Turnpike Tussle tips off in less than 24 hours.
Just 12 days ago, the Hornets took on the Ichabods inside Lee Arena. This time, Washburn will face Emporia State inside White Auditorium.
For the men’s squads, ESU is tasked with facing the No. 1 and undefeated Washburn Ichabods, who, in their last meeting, put together a defensive masterclass to lead them to a 91-66 win.
“We can’t be a one-half person, one-half team, one-half coach, one-half program. We’ve got to put it together,” ESU head coach Tom Billeter said.
“It’s going to take a team effort to beat a team like Washburn,” sophomore forward Chris Harris said.
The Hornets are coming off their first conference win of the season, and the ‘Bods remain one of the best teams in the country.
In the MIAA, Washburn sits at 6-0, and Emporia State remains 1-5.
“Coach talks a lot about respecting each opponent the same,” sophomore forward Dillion Claussen said. “We’re confident in our abilities, but also respecting the opponent is the big thing.”
“You can see they are playing a much higher level of basketball,” Washburn head coach Brett Ballard said.
Tip-off for the men is set for 7 p.m.
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