BY TRISTAN SASSE
After two impressive victories to begin conference play, the Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Washburn Ichabods on Wednesday night in Topeka, 69-58. The Tigers trailed by as many as 13 before suffering their first conference loss of the season.
Game Recap
FHSU missed their first five shots from the field, but only trailed by three with 16 minutes left in the half. Although the Tigers shot 25% in the first five minutes, they held a slight 7-6 advantage. Fort Hays increased their lead to 11-6. The Ichabods pulled back within one midway through the half.
The Tigers led 15-14 with 7:08 left in the half, when Hadley Gillum picked up his third foul. Entering Wednesday, Gillum was averaging 29.5 points per game in conference play. Washburn regained control with Gillum off the floor. With under five minutes left in the half, the Ichabods pulled ahead 20-15. Washburn maintained a steady lead throughout the remainder of the half and FHSU went into halftime trailing 32-24.
Fort Hays shot 9-for-30 (30%) in the first half, while the Ichabods were 52.4%. FHSU out-rebounded Washburn 18-13. The Tigers’ bench contributed with 16 first-half points.
At the beginning of the second half, FHSU continued to struggle from the field. Brady Werth made two close-range shots to keep the game within reach. With 15 minutes remaining in the half, Fort Hays was down 36-30. Washburn increased their lead to 10 at the 11:28 mark.
The Tiger deficit went up to as many as 12, but FHSU trailed by six with 8:31 left. With five minutes remaining, Washburn led 59-50. In the closing minutes, Fort Hays failed to keep within striking distance and the Ichabods went on to win 69-58.
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By the Numbers
Washburn shot 54.5% from the floor, while the Tigers were held to 30.6%. FHSU out-rebounded the Ichabods 37-32, including 15 offensive rebounds. Fort Hays also forced 18 turnovers, but had 16 of their own.
For the Tigers, Gillum finished with 11 points and five rebounds. Kyler Kinnamon and Payton Stephens each contributed with 10 points each. Werth added nine rebounds for the Tigers, but fouled out in the closing minutes.
For the Ichabods, Brady Skeens led Washburn with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Javion Blake added 15 points and six rebounds, while Tyas Martin and Isaac Clark had 11 points each.
Looking Ahead
On Saturday, December 9, Washburn (6-3 overall, 1-0 MIAA) will host the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (5-5, 2-0). Also on Saturday, FHSU (6-3, 2-1) will travel to Emporia State to face the Hornets (4-4, 0-0).