The WTAMU Men’s basketball team opened up the 2010-11 season Nov. 12 against Emporia State as part of the South Central Region Shootout in Bartlesville, Okla. 

WT came away with a 70-67 victory over the Hornets. 

ESU held a 34-29 advantage at halftime and by 14:25 of the second half that lead had grown to 47-35.

With 10:24 left to play, WT was trailing 55-46.  The Buffs then went on a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the second half. Defense played a huge part in the run as senior LaDarius Hall’s steal led to a layup which cut the lead to 55-50. 

WT tied the game with 7:57 left after Hall converted an old-fashioned three point play after being fouled on his layup attempt and then converting the free throw.     

ESU fell behind 66-61 with 3:08 left in regulation.  The Hornets tied the game with 49 seconds left at 67-67. 

Overtime seemed a likely destination for these two teams, but WT junior transfer Rod Little made sure that didn’t happen.  With five seconds left in the game, Little converted a three-point shot to give WT a thrilling 70-67 victory. 

Little led the Buffs with 19 points on the day.  Senior Joe Mincey chipped in 12 points in the game with fellow senior Alex Davis finishing with 10 points.  WT also shot 56 percent from the field on the day. 

WT will play one more game in Bartlesville against Newman University on Nov. 13.  Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.