BY TRISTAN SASSE
After falling in a strong battle against Washburn earlier this week, the Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team faced another MIAA in-state conference rival, the Emporia State Hornets. In a highly contested game throughout, the Tigers prevailed. FHSU trailed midway through the second half, but ended the game on a 22-8 run to secure the 69-58 victory.
Game Recap
Both teams struggled from the field in the early going. Six minutes in, the Hornets led 10-9. Buckets were continually traded, but the Tigers answered with a 10-3 run to pull ahead 19-13. Midway through the half, Fort Hays was holding ESU to 30.8% from the field.
With 8:16 left in the half, FHSU led 22-14. The Tigers increased their lead to 10 near the end of the half, but Emporia State crawled back within five. After a quick burst to end the half, Fort Hays went into the locker room leading 34-25.
FHSU shot 56% in the first half, while ESU finished at 30.8%. The Tigers out-rebounded the Hornets 16-12. Fort Hays also finished the first half committing eight turnovers, while forcing five.
Hadley Gillum led the Tigers with 10 points and four rebounds, while Brady Werth added six points. For the Hornets, Garin Vandiver paced ESU with 10 points.
With 16:43 left in the game, FHSU built their lead up to 13. A strong rally occurred by ESU in the ensuing minutes. At the 13:20 mark, the Tigers led 43-39. Minutes later, the Hornets regained the lead. With 10 minutes remaining, Emporia State held a 50-47 advantage.
The Tigers responded with a 9-0 run and led 56-50 with 4:51 remaining. Emporia State was held scoreless for nearly six minutes before a successful layup by Vandiver with 4:28 left to play. The basket didn’t stop Fort Hays’ momentum and the Tigers took an eight-point lead with just over two minutes left. Down the stretch, FHSU proved to be too much for the Hornets as they held on for a 69-58 win.
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By the Numbers
Overall, the Tigers shot 51% from the field, while holding Emporia State to 35.1%. FHSU also out-rebounded the Hornets 34-31 and led by as many as 13 on the night. Fort Hays also finished with 16 assists and 13 turnovers.
Gillum led the Tigers in scoring for the fourth straight game, finishing with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Werth also had a strong outing for FHSU with 14 points, four rebounds and three blocks. Kyler Kinnamon dished out seven assists for the Tigers.
For ESU, Vandiver finished with 17 points and six rebounds. Brandon Hall added 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Looking Ahead
FHSU (7-3 overall, 3-1 MIAA) will return home to host Kansas Wesleyan (6-4) on Saturday, December 16. Also on Saturday, the Hornets (5-5, 1-1) will be on the road as they take on Lincoln University of Missouri (5-5, 0-2).