By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. – Jake Stoppel scored a career-high 24 points to lead Fort Hays State to an 89-78 win over Pittsburg State in front of 2,768 Saturday at Gross Coliseum. Stoppel hit 10 of 15 from the field and was 4 of 5 from the free throw line as the Tigers (10-2, 4-2 MIAA) win their fifth straight overall and fourth straight in conference play.

The Gorillas (7-6, 2-5) have lost five straight after a 7-1 start.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview

Trey O’Neil Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

 

Fort Hays State shot 59-percent for the game as they built a 15 point second half lead only to see Pitt State pull within four with 10:25 to play. The Tigers answered with a 9-2 run keyed by a Trey O’Neil 3-pointer to push the lead to 11.

Rob Davis went 8-for-8 from the free throw line and scored 14. Craig Nicholson, playing for the first time in five games since a foot injury, added 12 points and dished out nine assists. O’Neil and Hadley Gillum both scored 10.

The Tigers turned the ball over 19 times, resulting in 23 points for the Gorillas off of turnovers. FHSU won the rebounding battle 35-28 and shot 41-percent from 3-point range and hit 16-of-19 from the free throw line.