BY TRISTAN SASSE
On Tuesday, November 7, the Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team was back in action in their second exhibition game of the season. The Tigers headed to the historic Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS to take on the No. 4 ranked Kansas Jayhawks.
The first half was a back and forth battle with a total of 10 lead changes. While the Jayhawks were heavy favorites, the game was tied at 33 with just under two minutes left in the opening half. Kansas went into halftime with a narrow 38-33 lead.
FHSU shot 6 of 15 on three-point attempts in the first half to keep the game close. The Tigers also had 11 points off seven first-half turnovers by the Jayhawks.
The No. 4 Jayhawks began the second half on a 33-11 run to take a commanding 71-44 advantage. The second half was all Kansas, as the Jayhawks outscored FHSU 48-24. Kansas went on to win 86-57.
The Jayhawks shot over 50% from the field, while FHSU was just under 35%. KU also outrebounded the Tigers 45-29.
Four Jayhawks were in double-figure scoring on the night. Devonte’ Graham led all scorers with 27 points and 8 assists. Udoka Azubuike added 15 points, while Lagerald Vick had 12 and Billy Preston finished with 11. Azubuike also had 9 rebounds.
For the Tigers, Hadley Gillum and Brady Werth were both in double digits, with 14 points each. FHSU also had 18 bench points and 12 assists on the night.
Fort Hays will look to use this experience to their advantage when the season officially begins on Friday, November 10 in Emporia, KS against Southwest Missouri State. The No. 4 Jayhawks will begin their quest for a national title on Friday when they host Tennessee State.