By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. – Trey O’Neil hit a 3-pointer with 28 seconds to play the Hadley Gillum blocked a shot causing a wild scramble for the loose ball as time expired and Fort Hays State held off Central Oklahoma 57-55 in front of 3,781 at Gross Coliseum. It’s the Tigers (16-10, 9-8 MIAA) second straight win that has them tied with Nebraska-Kearney and Lincoln for seventh place in the MIAA.

The Bronchos (17-9, 10-7 MIAA), who have never won at Gross Coliseum, sit alone in fifth place.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview

Brady Werth Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

The Tigers raced out to an early nine point lead only to see the UCO answer with a 13-1 run to take a three point lead midway through the first half.

After the Tigers built a nine point lead early in the second half, the Bronchos answered with a 15-4 run to take a 39-37 lead with 11:31 to play. The game then saw five ties and eight lead changes the rest of the way.

Hadley Gillum led the Tigers with 17 points and eight rebounds. Brady Werth added 14 points and eight boards. Kyler Kinnamon didn’t score but tied a career high with eight assists.

Jake Hammond, Jordan Hemphill and Josh Holiday all scored nine to lead the Bronchos.