By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. – Hadley Gillum recorded his fourth straight 20-point game and Fort Hays State closed on a 13-5 run after Northeastern State tied the game with 3:35 to play and the Tigers held off the upset-minded RiverHawks 61-53 Monday night at Gross Coliseum to advance to the MIAA Tournament quarterfinals in Kansas City.

The Tigers (18-10), who hit six of their eight free throw attempts in the final minute, held the RiverHawks (5-23) to nine points over the final eight minutes.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview

Hadley Gillum Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

The Tigers struggled to get separation from the RiverHawks the entire second half, never leading by more than five until the final two minutes of the game. NSU gained the lead once at the 8:08 mark, but Trey O’Neil answered with a 3-pointer with 4:48 which gave the Tigers the lead back.

Tied 48-48 with 3:35 to play, the Tigers went on a 7-0 run, triggered by a pair of baskets from JaQuan Smith and Hadley Gillum to push the margin to six with 1:37 to play. .

Hadley Gillum led the Tigers with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Rob Davis, who earlier in the day was named to the All-MIAA first team for the second straight year, scored 12 as did Trey O’Neil. JaQuan Smith chipped in with 10.

Tanner Mouse led the RiverHawks with 14 points.