By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

The Fort Hays State Tigers close with a 16-5 run after Central Oklahoma had battled back to take a one-point lead and defeat the Bronchos  82-72 at Gross Coliseum. The Tigers have won two straight and improve to 10-6 overall and 4-4 in the MIAA. Central Oklahoma falls to 12-5 and 5-3 in  conference.

The Tigers led by as many as 16 in first half and 15 in the second before UCO put together an 11-2 run to pull within five at 47-42. FHSU pushed the lead to seven when point guard Craig Nicholson went down with a severe ankle injury and had to taken off the court in a stretcher with 14:16 to play. The  Bronchos took a 67-66 lead with 5:45 to play but FHSU responded by scoring 10 straight to take the lead back for good. The Tigers hit seven of their final eight free throws over the final 1:02 to seal the win.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview

Royce Williams Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Royce Williams led the Tigers with 17 points, Craig Nicholson added 16 and Jake Stoppel and Dom Samac both score 10. The Tigers defense held the Bronchos to 40-percent shooting and just 3-for-19 from 3-point range.

FHSU returns home Saturday afternoon against Northeastern State at 4pm.