By Dustin Armbruster

Fort Hays complete the opening weekend of MIAA play in Pittsburg on Saturday looking to even their conference record following a three point loss to Missouri Southern on Thursday night.

Pittsburg State ran out of the gates, taking a 15-4 lead in the first four minutes of the game. Fort Hays found traction and tied the score at 17 following their own run of 13-2. The Tigers took the lead for the first time on a Trey O’Neil three pointer at 22-20, part of a 20-6 run that pushed the Fort Hays lead as high as 12. Pitt State got back within five before a pair of free throws right before half time put the Tigers up 42-35.

Highlights

Neither team found much in the first five minutes of the second half combining for four points, but Fort Hays was able to push their lead up to nine at 45-36. The Tigers pushed their lead up to twelve at 48-36. Pitt State answered with back to back three pointers to stay in contact. Fort Hays led rest of the way with the Gorillas getting within three one time at 60-57. The Tigers hit eight of their final eleven free throws in the final four minutes to win 72-67.

Coach Mark Johnson

The Tigers shoot 49% for the game and hit 7 of 11 three pointers. Fort Hays also made 19 of 26 free throws for 73%. Kyler Kinnamon led the way with 14 points. Rob Davis scored 13 and Brady Werth scored 10 for his first double figure game in a Tiger uniform. Fort Hays moves to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA, they return home on Wednesday to play Washburn. Pittsburg State has lost six in a row and is 1-8 overall, 0-2 in conference play.