The Fort Hays State Tigers shot 58-percent in the first half, building an 18-point lead then hold on down the stretch for a 75-65 victory over Newman Tuesday night at Gross Coliseum.

The Tigers hit only 39-percent in the second half including 1-for-6 from 3-point range as the Jets closed within six with just under five minutes to play, but Fort Hays kept them at bay by hitting their free throws down the stretch, going 21-of-27 from the foul line in the second half.

The Tigers struggled with Newman’s full court pressure, turning the ball over 24 times.

Tyrone Phillips led four in double-figures with 17 points. Omar McDade added 15, Karron McKenzie, who only played four minutes in the first half because of foul troubled chipped in 11 and Kendrick Morse 10. Matt Simmons grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds.

The win is the Tigers 18th straight over Newman and moves them to 4-0 on the season.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview
Mark Johnson Postgame 11-22-11

Kendrick Morse Postgame Interview
Kendrick Morse Postgame 11-22-11

Game Highlights
Game Highlights 11-22-11