By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Fort Hays State swept its three-game homestand over five days with a win over Lincoln University by a score of 66-52 on Monday (Feb. 14). The Tigers moved to 19-4 overall and 14-4 in the MIAA, while Lincoln dropped to 2-20 overall and 1-16 in the MIAA.
The Tigers led from start to finish for the second straight game, opening the game on a 13-3 run to reach a double-figure lead just seven minutes into the game. The lead grew as large as 13 points in the first half before Lincoln ended the half with a 3-point play. FHSU led 31-21 at the break.
Lincoln trimmed the lead to seven twice early in the second half, but a 21-8 run by FHSU pushed the lead to 20 with 8:12 to play. Lincoln trimmed the lead back inside 10 one more time at nine points with 3:49 to play. However, FHSU kept Lincoln from getting any closer and pushed the final margin back out to 14 points. The Tigers held an opponent under 60 points for the 17th time this season in 23 chances.
Jared Vitztum had a double-double for the Tigers with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The 25 points was a new season high for Vitztum, while he collected his 12th double-double of the season. He also moved to third all-time in rebounding at FHSU, now with 875 in his career.
Kaleb Hammeke scored 15 points for FHSU, scoring 13 of his total in the second half. Nyjee Wright added 10 points and tied Vitztum for top assist honors on the team, each with three.
Josh Wallace led the scoring effort for Lincoln with 14 points, while Chuck Wilson added 12 and Ni’Sean Rigmaiden had 10.
Fort Hays State will turn around and play Lincoln once again on Thursday (Feb. 17) night at 7:30 pm in Jefferson City, Mo. It will be part of a two-game trip to Missouri, which concludes at Central Missouri on Saturday.