BY TRISTAN SASSE
For the first time all season, the Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team has suffered three consecutive losses. On Saturday, January 27, the Tigers were defeated by MIAA foe, the Lindenwood Lions 69-63. FHSU trailed by double-digits for the majority of the second half before attempting a late comeback. With the loss, Fort Hays fell to 0-4 all-time inside of Hyland Arena. The Tigers also fall to 1-6 on the season in true road games.
Game Recap
In the early going, neither team was able to grow a sizable lead, but the Tigers forced four turnovers. Soon after, a quick 9-2 run by FHSU gave them a 16-9 advantage. Midway through the opening half, Fort Hays led by five. With seven minutes remaining in the first half, the Tigers led 20-13.
In a defensive battle, Fort Hays’ lead stayed around seven points for the next few minutes. FHSU would go on to pull in front by as many as nine points in the following minutes, but Lindenwood responded with a 10-0 run. With under two minutes remaining in the half, the Lions took their first lead, 25-24. Going into halftime, the game was tied at 27.
Both teams shot 11-for-24 (45.8%) in the first half. The Tigers won the rebounding battle 15-10 though but had nine first-half turnovers. Additionally, Lindenwood had 15 bench points in the opening half.
Kyler Kinnamon led FHSU with nine points and three rebounds. Hadley Gillum and Trey O’Neil each had seven points. Gillum also had four rebounds.
For the Lions, Jackson Price led all players with 10 points. Chandler Diekvoss added six points and three rebounds, while Drew Moore added five points.
Lindenwood scored eight of the first ten points to begin the second half and took a 35-29 advantage. Minutes later, the Lions extended the margin to eight points. With 10 minutes left in the game, LU led 42-35.
Fort Hays scored eight points in the first 11 minutes of the second half, and the Lions’ lead grew to 12 points. FHSU continued to struggle in the second half and with under five minutes to play, the Lions had a 56-39 edge. The Tigers answered with an 8-0 run, but it was too late. FHSU ended the game on a 24-13 run, but Lindenwood went on to win 69-63.
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By the Numbers
For the game, Lindenwood shot 52.2%, while holding the Tigers to 41.1%. On the afternoon, both teams had 14 turnovers and 10 assists. Fort Hays did have a 28-25 rebounding advantage though.
Diekvoss led the Lions with 18 points and six rebounds. Price added 15 points, while Adam Pohlman had 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
For FHSU, O’Neil finished with a game-high 23 points and six rebounds. Gillum contributed with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Kinnamon added 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Looking Ahead
Fort Hays (12-8 overall, 5-6 in MIAA) will return to Gross Memorial Coliseum to take on Emporia State (8-11, 3-7) on Wednesday. The Tigers defeated the Hornets 69-58 in Emporia earlier this season. Additionally, Lindenwood (14-7, 6-6) will head to St. Joseph, Missouri to face Missouri Western (3-15, 1-10).