By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Fort Hays State couldn’t overcome a couple of cold shooting stretches and poor free throw shooting in the first half as they fall to Nebraska-Kearney 79-67 in the first round of the NCAA II Central Regional at the Sanford Pentagon. Connor Beranek scored 37 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Lopers (21-11) to the second round where they will face top-seed Augustana.

FHSU Post Game Press Conference

 

Game Highlights

 
Nebraska-Kearney used a 10-0 run midway through the first half to build a 10-point lead. A Kenny Enoch layup at the end of the first half pulled the Tigers (20-11) within six at halftime. UNK quickly pushed the lead to 12 early in the second half before the Tigers mounted an 11-2 run to pull within three with 9:45 to play. FHSU was within four with the ball with 6:40 to go but could get no closer. The Lopers responded with an 11-4 run to go up 11.

UNK hit 25-of-29 free throws including 16-for-16 in the second half. The Tigers went 15-of-25 from the line but were just 3-of-9 in the first half.

Craig Nicholson led Fort Hays State with 19 points while Jake Stoppel added 16 and Dom Samac 12 along with 12 rebounds.