By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

Fort Hays State fell behind 13-0 and were down as many as 22 in the first half and fall to Central Oklahoma 83-68 in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals Friday afternoon at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. The Tigers are now 22-7 on the season and wait to see their NCAA tournament fate. The Bronchos, who avenge to narrow losses two the Tigers in the regular season, improve to 19-9 and will play Northeastern State in the semifinals Saturday night.

The Tigers trailed by 14 at the half and pulled as close as six on two different occasions, the latest on two Craig Nicholson free throws with 8:51 to play,but the Broncos scored the next 14 points, all from the free throw line to push the lead to 20.

The Bronchos won the game at free throw line, hitting 28-of-34 while the Tigers hit 6-of-7.

Josh Gibbs hit 16-of-17 free throws and scored a career-high 34 points for UCO. Jake Stoppel scored 15 to lead the Tigers. Dwayne Brunson added 12 and James Fleming 11.

Postgame Press Conference

Game Highlights