By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Fort Hays State was held to just one field goal in the final 7:54 but made just enough free throws down the stretch to hold off No. 15 Central Missouri 69-68 Thursday night in Warrensburg. The Tigers second ever win at the UCM Multipurpose Building pushes their record to 8-2 and 2-2 in the MIAA. The Mules, who lost back-to-back home games for the first time since 2003-04, falls to 8-2 and 2-2.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview

 

Game Highlights

 

 

The Tigers led by 14 on a couple of occasions in the second half only to see the Mules pull within one late. Following two Kyler Kinnamon missed free throws, the UCM had one final chance at the win but a pull up jumper left of the lane from D’Marnier Cunningham rimmed off to preserve the 69-68 victory.

FHSU raced out to an early 8-0 lead but went scoreless for over seven minutes to fall behind by seven. They responded with an 18-5 run and led by eight at halftime.

Jake Stoppel recorded his second double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Dom Samac added 15 points and Trey O’Neil 12, all in the second half.

The Tigers, who were outscored by 10 at the free throw line, shoot 46-percent for the game and hit 7-of-13 three-point attempts.