GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. – Brady Werth scored a game-high 19 points and Fort Hays State shot 62-percent in the first half in building a 20-point halftime lead and beat Southwest Baptist 70-52 to secure a first round home game in Tuesday’s first round of the MIAA Tournament.

Werth had eight rebounds and dished out eight assists. Marcus Cooper was one rebound shy of his second straight double-double scoring 18 points with nine rebounds. Hadley Gillum, the Tigers lone senior added 12 points and nine boards with four assists and two blocks on senior night.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview

Hadley Gillum Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Fort Hays State (17-11, 10-9 MIAA) raced out to an early eight point lead then closed the first half on a 15-2 run to go up 43-23 at halftime and never led by less than 19 until the final 13 seconds.

The Tigers shot 49-percent for the game and went 9-of-17 from beyond the arc after hitting 6-of-7 in the first half.

The Bearcats (12-15, 6-12 MIAA) were held to 38-percent shooting and were 2-for-13 from beyond the arc. Logan Hovey was their only double-figure scorer with 13.

The Tigers will host a yet to be determined opponent Tuesday at 7 pm in the first round of the conference tournament.