By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

Dom Samac hit one of two free throws with 0.2 seconds left to force overtime but Central Oklahoma outscores Fort Hays State 11-4 in the extra period for a 76-69 win Thursday night at Hamilton Field House in Edmond. The loss drops the Tigers to 16-11 and 9-9 in the MIAA. UCO improves to 18-9 and 11-7 and secures a first round home game in the MIAA tournament.

Mark Johnson:

Game Highlights:

Fort Hays State had a chance to win in regulation. Dom Samac took an inbound pass with 3.4 seconds to play and drove to the basket but missed the layup when he was fouled. After missing the first free throw, he hit the second to force overtime.

The Tigers hit just two of their 12 shots in overtime and were 0-for-5 from beyond the arc.

The Tigers used a 17-1 run to grab a 12-point lead midway through the first half. The Bronchos answer with an 18-6 run to tie but Achoki Moikobu banks in a 3-pointer to put FHSU up three at the half. UCO outscored the Tigers 12-2 to open the second half to go up seven. FHSU responded with a 12-3 run to pull within one and eventually took the lead at 55-53. Neither team would lead by more than three the rest of regulation.

Samac led Fort Hays State with 16 points. Tom Gabric added 11 and James Fleming and Jeremy Wilson 10. Drew Kite led the Tigers with a career-high eight rebounds.

The Tigers close out the regular season at Northeastern State. FHSU needs to win and have Washburn lose their home game with Pittsburg State to play at home in the first round of the MIAA tournament on Monday.