By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
PITTSBURG, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men’s Basketball turned in a dominating defensive performance in a 71-49 win at Pittsburg State on Thursday evening. The Tigers improved to 18-8 on the season and 13-7 in the MIAA, while the Gorillas fell to 6-19 overall and 3-16 in the MIAA.
The Tigers scored the first seven points of the game and went on to hold the Gorillas to just three points over the first nine and a half minutes of action. FHSU led 20-3 before PSU made its second field goal of the game. The FHSU lead reached 22 at 33-11 and FHSU went on to eventually lead by 20, 37-17, at the half. The Tigers shot 55.2 percent in the opening frame and held the Gorillas to just 28 percent from the field.
The Tiger lead never dipped back inside 20 the rest of the way. FHSU enjoyed its largest lead of 29 points twice inside the final six minutes of the game before the final margin ended at 22. FHSU picked up a regular season sweep of an opponent for the third straight game.
FHSU finished at 50.9 percent as a team from the field, while holding PSU to 34.9 percent. The Tigers also won the battle on the boards by 11, 35-24, and were +6 in turnover margin for the game. They forced the Gorillas into 20 turnovers.
Kaleb Hammeke led the Tigers with 19 points, followed by Elijah Nnanabu with 13 and Bjarni Jonsson with 11. Iyen Enaruna and Lucas Hammeke both pulled down six rebounds to lead the Tigers. The Hammeke brothers and Nnanabu notched three assists apiece.
The Tigers held the Gorillas from having any players reach double figures in scoring. Tane Prictor led Pitt State with nine points.
Fort Hays State now turns its focus to a showdown with Missouri Southern on Saturday in Joplin. The Tigers will be looking to even the score with the Lions this year after Missouri Southern won earlier this season in Hays. The game will also be key for the MIAA standings as Missouri Southern sits just a half game back of FHSU. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Leggett and Platt Center.