BY TRISTAN SASSE
In a matchup between two struggling teams, the Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team hosted the Emporia State Hornets on Wednesday, January 31. After a back and forth game throughout, the Tigers held on for a 58-50 victory. FHSU snapped a three-game losing streak with the win and improved to 11-1 at home. On the other hand, the Hornets have been on the losing end in six straight contests.
Game Recap
Neither team was able to take control in the early minutes. Just over five minutes into the match, it was tied at seven. With the largest lead in the first eight minutes being three points, the Tigers held a 14-12 lead with 11 minutes left in the opening half.
FHSU was shooting over 50% midway through the half, but the game looked to be decided on the defensive end. With five minutes until halftime, the Tigers held a 19-17 advantage. Near the end of the half, Fort Hays built its largest lead to four. FHSU would head into the locker room with a 26-22 edge.
The first half featured seven ties and five lead changes. Additionally, both teams finished the first half with 16 rebounds and four assists. Fort Hays shot 40.9% in the opening half and held Emporia State to 34.8%. FHSU also forced eight first-half turnovers.
Eight Tigers scored in the opening half. Jared Vitztum led FHSU with six points, Brady Werth added five points and Marcus Cooper had four points. For the Hornets, Stephaun Limuel had six first-half points, while Hassan Thomas added five points and five rebounds.
Each team struggled from the field in the opening minutes of the second half. With 15 minutes remaining, Fort Hays led 33-28. Minutes later, the Hornets tied the game at 37. Both teams were shooting less than 40% with under 10 minutes to play.
In the ensuing moments, teams continued to trade the lead. The Tigers maintained a three-point advantage with seven minutes left. FHSU went out in front by as many as six, but the margin was trimmed to 47-45 with under five minutes to play.
Fort Hays’ advantage was still at two points at the two-minute mark. After a Tiger three-pointer, the lead was increased to five with a minute to play. Emporia State was unable to complete the comeback and FHSU secured a 58-50 win.
By the Numbers
On the night, the Tigers shot 40% and held the Hornets to 31.9%. Emporia State won the rebounding battle 33-31 but had 14 turnovers. Fort Hays’ night was highlighted by 27 bench points. FHSU also had 10 assists.
For the Tigers, Werth finished with a game-high 15 points. Grant Holmes added 10 points and five rebounds off the bench, while Marcus Cooper and Trey O’Neil each ended with eight points and four rebounds. For the Hornets, Thomas had 12 points and nine rebounds. Limuel added 11 points and six rebounds.
Looking Ahead
This Saturday, Fort Hays (13-8 overall, 6-6 in MIAA) will finish a two-game homestand when they host Washburn (15-5, 9-2). The Ichabods defeated the Tigers, 69-58, earlier this season in Topeka. Meanwhile, Emporia State (8-13, 3-9) will travel to Nebraska to face the UNK Lopers (9-11, 5-6). The Hornets had a 76-69 home win over the Lopers in early December.