Newman University used a 26-3 first half run to build an eight-point halftime lead then held off the Fort Hays State Tigers 80-78 Saturday at Fugate Gymnasium in Wichita. The loss is the second straight for the Tigers, both by two points, and drops them to 2-2 on the season. Newman improves to 4-0.
It’s the first time the Tigers have dropped back-to-back non-conference games since 2003 and the first time they’ve dropped back-to-back non-conference games against NCAA Division II opponents since 1993. It also ends the Tigers 18-game win streak over Newman and is the Jets first win over FHSU in Wichita since the 1979-80 season.
Mark Johnson Postgame Interview
The Tigers jumped out to an 11-0 lead, holding the Jets scoreless for the first 5 1/2 minutes. Newman answered with a 26-3 run and led by as many as 12 in the first half before settling for a 43-35 lead at the half.
Newman pushed their second half lead to 11 before the Tigers closed within two with just under 10 minutes to play. The Jets answered with a 13-0 run and built their big lead of 15 with 6:15 to play. Fort Hays State would end the game on a 22-9 run, pulling within three on several occasions, but the Jets knocked in two key free throws with under three seconds to play to build the lead to five. Craig Nicholson hit a half-court shot at the horn for the games final margin.
Fort Hays State was led by Wichita native Lance Russell who scored a career-high 23 points including 4-of-6 three point shooting. Freshman Craig Nicholson, also from Wichita, added a career-high 20 points. Dwayne Brunson added a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds.
Craig Nicholson Postgame Interview
Fort Hays State returns to action at home Wednesday against Central Christian.