By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Fort Hays State outlasted Central Oklahoma on Saturday by a score of 90-84. FHSU moved to 11-4 overall, 5-1 in the MIAA, while dropping UCO to 8-7 overall, 1-5 in the MIAA. The Tigers received career-best performances from Jared Vitztum and Kyler Kinnamon, while Marcus Cooper led the way with 24 points.
The Tigers needed a stellar shooting performance to hold off a very athletic Bronchos squad. Fort Hays State shot a blistering 60.4 percent for the game (32-of-53), a new season high, while holding UCO to 45.8 percent from the field. The Tigers also had a season-best 13 three-point field goals. That helped offset a 25-10 advantage by UCO in points off turnovers as FHSU had 12 in the game compared to just five committed by UCO.
The Tigers recorded assists on 21 of 32 baskets in the game, led by a career-high 12 from Kinnamon. Cooper, Vitztum, and Brady Werth carried the bulk of the scoring load for FHSU with a combined 56 points. Cooper led the Tigers with 24 and Werth had 12. Vitztum set new career highs for points and rebounds with 20 and 12, recording the first double-double of his career at FHSU. He hit a team-high five 3-point field goals. Werth was just one rebound shy of his third double-double of the season. Cooper was an impressive 9-of-10 from the field.
Fort Hays State led for 36:23 of the 40 minutes, but it never felt like the game was well at hand. UCO made its first burst at the Tigers late in the first half by going on an 11-2 run to close the first half. That gave UCO a slight 40-38 advantage at halftime.
The Tigers took the lead back for good early in the second half at the 18:41 mark, but UCO kept chipping away all second half. The Tiger led grew to 10 at the 13:05 mark, but UCO went on a 15-5 run to tie the game at 67-67 with 7:22 to go. UCO tied the game two more times before FHSU went on a 10-0 run to push the lead back to 10 at the 3:35 mark. The Bronchos whittled the lead down to four with seven seconds remaining, but Kinnamon sealed the win with a pair of free throws to make the final margin six.
Loyola-Chicago transfer Adarius Avery led UCO with a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds. Ashford Golden added 23 points. Marquis Johnson (12) and Jordan Hemphill (11) also reached double figures.
The Tigers get ready for a road swing against in-state rivals Emporia State and Washburn next week. The Tigers take on the Hornets in Emporia on Wednesday (Jan. 16) at 7:30 pm.