Fort Hays opened Saturday’s MIAA showdown with Emporia State with a 12-5 run over the first five minutes, as the Tigers looked to rebound after their Wednesday night loss to Washburn. The Tigers pushed their lead up to 14 at 25-11, holding Emporia State with out a field goal for nearly eight minutes.

Emporia State managed just 11 points over the first 13:00 of the game, but scored 10 in the next 1:40 to get back with in 6 at 27-21. The Hornets got a three pointer with 1:22 left in the first half to get three at 31-28. Kenny Enoch hit a basket with :39 remaining to give the Tigers a 33-28 half time lead.

Highlights

After Emporia State tied the game at 33, Fort Hays scored five in a row to take a 38-33 lead with 16:40 remaining. The Hornets took the lead for good on an 11-0 run at 44-38. The Tigers twice got back within three at 44-11 and 46-43, but couldn’t close the gap.

After trailing 25-11 with 7:15 left in the first half, Emporia State outscored the Tigers 41-18 over the next 17 minutes.

Coach Mark Johnson

Four Tigers scored in double figures as Dom Samac, Rob Davis, and Kenny Enoch scored 11. Kyler Kinnamon added 10. Emporia State was led by the career high 23 points of Josh Pedersen.

Fort Hays falls to 5-2 on the year and 0-2 in the MIAA. Emporia State is 4-3 and 0-2.