BY TRISTAN SASSE
After being dominated by Central Oklahoma last weekend, the Fort Hays State men’s basketball team hosted UCO on Saturday from Gross Memorial Coliseum in a shot at revenge. The margin was much closer this time around, but the Tigers were able to get redemption with a 57-55 win. Additionally, FHSU improved to 13-2 on their home court this season.
Game Recap
The Tigers took a 10-3 lead just over three minutes into the game. Both teams went cold from the field, but FHSU was able to extend its lead to nine, while Central Oklahoma started 1-for-11 from the field. Midway through the first half, Fort Hays’ lead was trimmed to one, at 13-12, after three straight threes by the Bronchos.
Seconds later, UCO took its first lead (14-13) by making four of five baskets and being on an 11-3 run during that stretch. In an offensive struggle, the game was tied at 16 with under seven minutes until the half. FHSU then responded with a quick 5-0 run to take a 21-16 lead. Fort Hays kept a lead for the remainder of the half and went into the locker room with a 26-22 advantage.
In the first half, FHSU shot 35.7%, while UCO was close behind at 34.6%. Both teams finished the half with 18 rebounds. The Tigers had five assists in the first half and forced six turnovers.
Hadley Gillum led the Tigers with nine points and five rebounds. Marcus Cooper added six points and four rebounds, while Aaron Nicholson had six points off the bench. Additionally, Brady Werth had four points and five rebounds. For Central Oklahoma, Corbin Byford had six points, Jordan Hemphill had five points, and three Bronchos had three points.
FHSU began the second half on a 7-2 run, but the Bronchos followed with a 5-0 spurt of their own. With 15 minutes remaining, the Tigers held a 35-34 advantage. Minutes later, Central Oklahoma regained the lead. The game was tied at 39 with 10 minutes left.
Teams continued to trade baskets in the following minutes and FHSU had a 45-43 lead with just under seven minutes remaining. Moments later, the Tigers held a 52-49 advantage. A three by Central Oklahoma tied the game at 52 with just under two minutes left.
In the closing minute, a lay-in by FHSU gave the Tigers a two-point lead, but the Bronchos responded with a three to regain the lead. Trey O’Neil buried a three on the other end to give Fort Hays a 57-55 advantage with 26 seconds remaining. Central Oklahoma missed a chance to tie the game on the ensuing possession, but the Tigers missed the front end of a one-and-one. The Bronchos were unable to get a shot off on the final possession and FHSU held on for a 57-55 victory.
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By the Numbers
On the night, FHSU shot 41.5%, while holding Central Oklahoma to 38.6%. The Tigers were out-rebounded 39-30 and gave up 21 points to the UCO bench. FHSU only had six turnovers and forced 10. The Tigers also had 12 assists.
For Fort Hays, Gillum finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. Gillum is now one point shy of 1,000 career points. Werth added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Nicholson had eight points. Cooper finished with six points and four rebounds. Kyler Kinnamon ended with a game-high eight assists.
On the other side, Jake Hammond and Jordan Hemphill both finished with nine points and three rebounds for Central Oklahoma. Josh Holliday also had nine points, while Kole Talbott had seven points and five rebounds. Marqueese Grayson added eight rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Upcoming, FHSU (16-10 overall, 9-8 in MIAA) will travel to Kearney, NE to take on the Lopers (13-13, 9-8) on Tuesday in their final regular season away game. The Tigers took care of UNK in mid-January with a 78-69 victory. Additionally, Central Oklahoma (17-9, 10-7) will finish the regular season with a two-game homestand, and take on Washburn (19-7, 13-4) next Thursday. In their last head-to-head match, the Ichabods escaped Topeka with a 49-47 win over UCO.