BY TRISTAN SASSE
In dominant fashion, the Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team defeated the McPherson Bulldogs, 87-62, on Saturday, December 30. With the win, FHSU improved to 10-3 on the season and has now won four straight games.
Game Recap
The Tigers started the game with a bang, by knocking down back-to-back three-pointers. Less than four minutes into the game, FHSU led 16-4. In the first five minutes, Fort Hays’ lead grew to 14 points. Midway through the half, the Tigers maintained a 30-12 lead, while shooting 75% from the field.
With 6:54 left in the opening half, FHSU extended their lead to 24. Nearing the end of the half, Fort Hays was ahead 49-17. The Tigers continued to hold their impressive lead and went into the locker room with a 55-25 advantage.
Eight Tigers scored in the opening half and FHSU shot 66.7% as a team, while McPherson was held to 26.7%. Additionally, the Tigers connected on seven three-pointers and dished out 11 assists in the first half.
Hadley Gillum led all players with 15 points and four assists in just 13 first-half minutes. Brady Werth was also in double figures with 10 points.
In the second half, FHSU picked up right where they left off and increased their lead to 34 in the opening minutes. The Tigers steadily held their lead and with 13 minutes remaining, FHSU was ahead 63-36. At one point, the Bulldogs trimmed the deficit to 23, but failed to pull within striking distance. With 6:26 left, the Tigers led 76-46.
By the Numbers
On the afternoon, Fort Hays shot 54.1% and held the Bulldogs to 35.5%. The Tigers dished out 17 assists and only had nine turnovers. FHSU also forced 14 turnovers and out-rebounded McPherson 38-36.
For the Tigers, Werth led all scorers with 18 points, while Gillum added 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Marcus Cooper and Trey O’Neil each finished with 11 points.
For the Bulldogs, Aaron Bachura had 16 points and six rebounds. Garrett Owen contributed with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Looking Ahead
Next Wednesday, McPherson (3-14) will travel to Salina to take on Kansas Wesleyan (7-6). Additionally, on Thursday, FHSU (10-3) will head to Warrensburg, Missouri to face Central Missouri (10-2) in an MIAA matchup.