By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

Nicola Kacperska scored seven of her 13 points in overtime helping the Fort Hays State Lady Tigers to a 76-75 win over No. 21 Central Missouri Thursday at Gross Coliseum. Kacperska’s 3-pointer gave FHSU a 66-63 lead in the overtime, a lead they would never give up. Chelsea Mason hit six 3-pointers and led the Lady Tigers with 20 points. Kate Lehman added 19 along with 11 rebounds and eight blocked shots.

Tony Hobson Postgame Interview

 

FHSU jumped out to an early four–point lead but the Jennies answered and went up five several times in the first half before settling for a 30-30 tie at the half. UCM pushed the lead back to five in the second half before the Tigers tied the game on a Kate Lehman free throw late in the second. FHSU had a chance to win it in regulation but Beth Bohuslavsky missed two free threws inside 10 seconds. Justina Prarie Chief missed a 3-pointer at the end of regulation that would have won it for the Jennies

Game Highlights

 

The Tigers built a five-point lead in the overtime then had to hold on down the stretch as they win their fifth straight to improve to 6-1. The Jennies see their five-game win streak snapped and are now 5-2.

 

FHSU Athletics

Tiger fans are encouraged to ‘Blackout the Coliseum’ on Thursday night (Dec. 4) as Fort Hays State hosts Central Missouri in the MIAA openers for both women’s and men’s basketball. Both Central Missouri teams are nationally ranked, the women at No. 21 and the men at No. 6, while your Tiger women and men are receiving votes in both top 25 polls. Central Missouri is the defending national champion in men’s basketball.

Prior to the games starting at 5 pm, 250 black FHSU Game Day shirts will be handed out to fans, who are encouraged to wear black as part of the night’s ‘Blackout the Coliseum’ promotion. Even if you do not get here early enough to get a shirt, please wear black as you help cheer on your Tigers.

Both the FHSU women and men own three-game win streaks over Central Missouri in Hays, with the 2009-10 season the last time both lost at home to UCM. The FHSU women won the last meeting in Hays in convincing fashion, 95-50 in 2012-13, when FHSU was ranked No. 17 and UCM was ranked No. 23. The FHSU men won the last meeting in Hays 77-72 in 2012-13. UCM was ranked in 2011-12 when the teams met in Hays, as FHSU won by one point on a tip-in with just a second remaining in the game.

Be at the coliseum on Thursday night as the FHSU and UCM renew a strong basketball rivalry.

FHSU Sports Information

Fort Hays State football will be represented by three players at the National Bowl on Sunday (Dec. 7) in Miami, Fla. Seniors Edward Smith, Michael Terry, and Micheal Jordan will participate in the game, which takes place at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium on the campus of Florida International University.

The National Bowl Game is an annual post-season college football all-star game consisting of top players from Non-FBS schools. In the first three years, the National Bowl was played at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown, Pa., but moved to Miami last year. The National Bowl Game showcases All-American and All Conference seniors from around the nation that travel to the game from over 30 states representing over 400+ Division 2,3, and FCS schools. The National Bowl is the elite and only current post-season all star game to focus on players below D1/FBS that get the opportunity to play in front of several NFL and CFL scouts.

Smith finished his senior year with 667 rushing yards and 62 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. He finished his career with 2,514 all-purpose yards over his five years with the Tigers. Terry finished his senior year with 35 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles, playing both the linebacker and defensive end positions for FHSU throughout the season. He had 145 career tackles over three seasons. Jordan finished his senior year with 80 tackles, a MIAA-leading four forced fumbles, and had a hand in seven turnovers adding an interception and two fumble recoveries. Jordan had 250 tackles in his four-year career as a Tiger.

Smith, Terry, and Jordan will be playing for the Blue Nation squad. Terry will wear #20, Smith will wear #22, and Jordan will wear #23. The game is set to begin at 10 am ET/9 am CT on Sunday.

FHSU Athletics

Fort Hays State continued to receive votes in the first regular season version of the NCAA Division II wrestling poll, released Wednesday (Dec. 3) by the Division II Wrestling Coaches Association. FHSU was in the receiving votes section of the preseason rankings, released Oct. 27.

FHSU has competed in three open tournaments this season, compiling a 180-111 combined record and grabbing seven individual titles. Noah Killip (141 pounds), Jon Inman (184 pounds) and Trey Page (285 pounds) have each won two titles, while Adam Ludwin (125 pounds) won a title at the Bethany Swede Open. The Tigers are joined in the national rankings by MIAA teams Nebraska-Kearney (No. 2), Central Oklahoma (No. 9), Lindenwood (No. 17) and Central Missouri (RV).

Individually, Inman, Page and Josh Rodriguez (174 pounds) are ranked in their respective classes. Inman is ranked fifth after starting the year 10-1 with titles at the Bethany Swede and Northern Colorado Open, suffering his only loss to No. 4 Kyle Piatt of Western State by decision (5-3). Page, eighth at 285 pounds, is 12-1 for the year with Bethany Swede Open and UNK Holiday Inn Open championships, dropping a sudden victory match to Division I opponent Brian Maccione (Northern Colorado) at the UNC Open. Rodriguez has competed in just one tournament this season, going 2-3 with a forfeit at the UNK Open. He is fifth at 174 pounds.

The Tigers host UCO this Friday (Dec. 5) in the first MIAA dual of the season, beginning at 7 p.m., and close out the weekend with the Bob Smith Open at Gross Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 7. UCO has two individually ranked wrestlers – Spencer Rutherford (No. 8 at 149 pounds) and Chris Watson (No. 1 at 165 pounds).

The complete team and individual rankings are below…

Rank	School (State)	Points	Pre-season Ranking
1.	Maryville (Mo.)	157	1st
2.	Nebraska-Kearney	147	3rd
3.	Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)	143	2nd
4.	Mercyhurst (Pa.)	130	7nd
5.	St. Cloud State (Minn.)	125	5th
6.	Notre Dame (Ohio)	119	4th
7.	Lake Erie (Ohio)	105	14th
8.	McKendree (Ill.)	98	6th
9.	Central Oklahoma	97	9th
10.	Newberry (S.C.)	92	19th
11.	Kutztown (Pa.)	76	13th
12.	California Baptist	66	18th
T13.	Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.)	52	NR
T13.	North Carolina-Pembroke	52	11th
15.	Western State (Colo.)	49	8th
16.	Augustana (S.D.)	45	15th
17.	Lindenwood (Mo.)	43	10th
18.	Colorado Mesa	31	20th
19.	Upper Iowa	19	16th
20.	Tiffin (Ohio)	14	NR

Others Receiving Votes: Ashland (Ohio), Central Missouri, Findlay (Ohio), Fort Hays State (Kan.), Shorter (Ga.), West Liberty (W.Va.).

125 Pounds
1. T.J. North, Augustana (S.D.)
2. Matt Turek, Gannon (Pa.)
3. Gerald Huff, Adams State (Colo.)
4. Garrett Evans, Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)
5. Josh Kieffer, Indianapolis (Ind.)
6. Willie Bohince, Mercyhurst (Pa.)
7. Connor Bolling, Nebraska-Kearney
8. Evan Link, Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.)

133 Pounds
1. Daniel DeShazer, Nebraska-Kearney
2. Michael Labry, Ashland (Ohio)
3. Nate Rodriguez, Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)
4. Zak Hale, Anderson (S.C.)
5. Matt Paulus, Upper Iowa
6. Zach Shank, Western State (Colo.)
7. Nolan Whitely, Wheeling Jesuit (W.Va.)
8. Ryan Bohince, Mercyhurst (Pa.)

141 Pounds
1. Daniel Ownbey, North Carolina-Pembroke
2. Josh Myers, Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)
3. Kyle Webb, Lindenwood (Mo.)
4. Maurice Miller, Notre Dame (Ohio)
5. Jordan Roths, Upper Iowa
6. Alex Annunciation, California Baptist
7. Sam Hanau, Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.)
8. Mike Screptock, Tiffin (Ohio)

149 Pounds
1. Jay Hildreth, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
2. Keenan Hagerty, Maryville (Mo.)
3. Frank Cagnina, Central Missouri
4. Nick Goebel, Findlay (Ohio)
5. Jeremy Landowski, Mercyhurst (Pa.)
6. Andrew Bannister, Notre Dame (Ohio)
7. Brent Fickel, Ashland (Ohio)
8. Spencer Rutherford, Central Oklahoma

157 Pounds
1. Jonatan Rivera, Notre Dame (Ohio)
2. Clint Poster, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
3. James Martinez, Colorado Mesa
4. Josh Ballard, McKendree (Ill.)
5. Chase White, Nebraska Kearney
6. Dennis Flores, Newberry (S.C.)
7. Francis Mizia, Mercyhurst (Pa.)
8. Greg Hegerty, Maryville (Mo.

165 Pounds
1. Chris Watson, Central Oklahoma
2. Nick Haferkamp, McKendree (Ill.)
3. Dimitri Willis, Maryville (Mo.)
4. Cody Quinn, Minnesota State-Mankato
5. Gabe Fogarty, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
6. Tyler Reinhart, Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.)
7. Bo Candelaria, Kutztown (Pa.)
8. Nick Fishback, Wisconsin-Parkside

174 Pounds
1. Elliot Copeland, Western State (Colo.)
2. Zeb Wahle, Maryville (Mo.)
3. Jacob Begin, Southwest Minnesota
4. August Mizia, Mercyhurst (Pa.)
5. Josh Rodriguez, Fort Hays State (Kan.)
6. Joe Pittman, Newberry (S.C.)
7. Clayton Jennissen, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
8. Payne Hatter, Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)

184 Pounds
1. Dallas Smith, Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)
2. Nick Brughardt, Maryville (Mo.)
3. Kyle Piatt, Western State (Colo.)
4. Jared Holliday, Newberry (S.C.)
5. Jon Inman, Fort Hays State (Kan.)
6. Jon Vogt, McKendree (Ill.)
7. Blake Sorenson, Upper Iowa
8. Zack Zelcs, Gannon (Pa.)

197 Pounds
1. Romero Cotton, Nebraska-Kearney
2. Evan Rosborough, Lake Erie (Ohio)
3. Kenny Breaux, Lindenwood (Mo.)
4. Julian Smith, McKendree (Ill.)
5. Jayd Docken, Augustana (S.D.)
6. Sam Mangum, Western State (Colo.)
7. Andrew Reggi, San Francisco State (Calif.)
8. Jalal Paige, Shippensburg (Pa.)

285 Pounds
1. Ziad Haddad, Kutztown (Pa.)
2. Donnell Walker, Maryville (Mo.)
3. Austin Goergen, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
4. Cole Wilson, Southwest Minnesota
5. Logan Hopp, Upper Iowa
6. Andy Welton, Mercyhurst (Pa.)
7. Garrett Gray, Tiffin (Ohio)
8. Trey Page, Fort Hays State (Kan.)

FHSU Athletics

Fort Hays State’s Tanner Brock was named to the Daktronics Men’s Soccer All-America Third Team for 2014, announced Wednesday (Dec. 3) by the organization.

Brock, the 2014 MIAA Player of the Year, tied for the team lead in points (18), scoring six goals and tallying six assists in 19 starts (20 games played) this year. Brock played 1,673 minutes in the midfield for the Tigers, helping lead the team towards a NCAA Quarterfinals appearance, earning the program’s third straight NCAA Tournament berth in just the fourth year of existence. From Winfield, Kan., the senior hit three game winners this season, including a lone goal in FHSU’s shutout victory over West Texas A&M and a golden goal against MIAA opponent Upper Iowa. Brock is a three-time Daktronics All-Central Region First Team and All-MIAA First Team selection as well (2012, 2013 and 2014). Brock finished the year tied for second in the conference in points and tied for third in assists.

Brock is the third All-American all-time for Fort Hays State, joining Diego Cabral (2011 Third Team, 2013 Honorable Mention) and Ricardo Yeverino (2013 Honorable Mention) in the history books.

Sports Information Directors from NCAA Division II schools and conferences sponsoring men’s soccer selected the Daktronics All-America teams. The process begins at the regional level with all first team All-Region picks advancing to the national ballot. This is the ninth year Daktronics has sponsored the NCAA Division II men’s soccer All-America and All-Region teams. A total of 53 student-athletes filled out the three teams and honorable mention selections.

The team is sponsored by Daktronics, Inc., recognized worldwide in its industry as the leading designer and manufacturer of electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems, and large screen video displays using light emitting diode (LED) technology. The team is voted on by the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

FHSU Athletics

Fort Hays State’s Mallory Diederich, Hannah Smith and Hailey Davey continued to pick up accolades for the 2014 season, earning NSCAA All-Central Region Third Team honors, announcedTuesday (Dec. 2) by the organization.

Diederich joined Davey as the Tigers’ first ever All-MIAA First Team selections this season, and was picked to the Daktronics All-Central Region First Team last week. The junior center back played every minute for the Tigers’ defense this season (1,887), assisting in two goals with three scores of her own for eight points. From Topeka, Kan., Diederich played a key role in the Tigers’ 11 shutouts this season.

Smith was a Second Team All-MIAA pick this season, starting all 20 games for FHSU. A defensive midfielder, Smith scored the game-winner against Emporia State (W, 2-1) and had one assist on the season. From Garland, Texas, the sophomore was a key component for a defense that allowed just 13 goals and reached the MIAA Semifinals.

Davey joined Diederich as the Tigers’ first-ever selections to the All-MIAA First Team this year, and was named Daktronics All-Central Region Second Team last week. A senior from Evergreen, Colo., Davey finished the season with 20 points (second most on the team), tallying five goals with a team-high 10 assists (tied for most in school history). The forward also set the single-game record for assists twice this year, tallying three against Sioux Falls and Northwest Missouri State.

The three selections are the first-ever NSCAA Regional nods for FHSU, which finished the year 13-5-2 overall and just missed a berth to the NCAA Tournament, sitting seventh in the final regional poll with the Top 6 advancing.

FHSU Athletics

Fort Hays State defensive back Michael Jordan was named to the Daktronics All-Super Region 3 First Team for the second consecutive year on Wednesday (Dec. 3). Jordan earned first-team honors at safety once again.

A senior from Kerens, Texas, Jordan finished with 250 tackles in his career, sixth-most in Fort Hays State’s NCAA Division II history. He also finished with six interceptions, 10 pass break-ups, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in his career. This season, he finished third on the team in tackles with 80, adding an interception, a sack, and an MIAA-best four forced fumbles. He had a hand in seven turnovers this year for the Tigers, which includes the four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.

Jordan adds his second-straight all-super region first team honor to the three All-MIAA selections in his career. Jordan was an All-MIAA First Team selection this year after earning second team and honorable mention honors in the two previous years.

Below is the Daktronics All-Super Region 3 Team for 2014…

FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB-Anthony Abenoja Pittsburg State Sr. Overland Park, Kan. MIAA
RB-LaVance Taylor Central Missouri Sr. Raytown, Mo. MIAA
RB-Terrell Watson Azusa Pacific Sr. Oxnard, Calif. GNAC
WR-Marquise Cushon Pittsburg State Jr. Kansas City, Mo. MIAA
WR-Darius Davis Henderson State Sr. Frisco, Texas GAC
TE-Lucas Hefty Upper Iowa Sr. Traer, Iowa NSIC
OL-Brent Calhoun Ouachita Baptist Sr. Des Arc, Ark. GAC
OL-Tory Day Harding Sr. Memphis, Tenn. GAC
OL-Josh Meeker Minnesota State-Mankato Sr. Omaha, Neb. NSIC
OL-Andrew Muer Minnesota Duluth Sr. Perham, Minn. NSIC
OL-Tyler Smith Pittsburg State Sr. Sand Springs, Okla. MIAA
PK-Tom Obarski Concordia-St. Paul Sr. Burnsville, Minn. NSIC
RS-Etauj Allen Ouachita Baptist Sr. San Antonio, Texas GAC

DEFENSE
DL-Devin Benton, Southwestern Oklahoma State Sr. Arlington, Texas GAC
DL-Joshua Gordon, Minnesota State Jr. Milwaukee, Wis. NSIC
DL-Matt Longacre, Northwest Missouri State Sr. Omaha, Neb. MIAA
LB-Josh Davis Henderson State, So. El Dorado, Ark. GAC
LB-Gavin Grady, Minnesota-Duluth Sr. Minnetonka, Minn. NSIC
LB-Connor Harris Lindenwood So. Lee’s Summit, Mo. MIAA
LB-Tyler Henderson, Minnesota State Jr. Mankato, Minn. NSIC
CB-De’Vante Bausby Pittsburg State Sr. Kansas City, Mo. MIAA
CB-Solomon St. Pierre, Sioux Falls Jr. Wagner, S.D. NSIC
S-Michael Jordan, Fort Hays State Sr. Kerens, Texas MIAA
S-Zack Mitchell, Ouachita Baptist Sr. Vilonia, Ark. GAC
P-Jared Heim, Southeastern Oklahoma State Sr. Tomball, Texas GAC

SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QB-Kevin Rodgers, Henderson State Gr. Rockwall, Texas GAC
RB-Logan Lauters, Minnesota-Duluth Jr. Cedarburg, Wis. NSIC
RB-Romo Westbrook, Harding Sr. Marion, Ark. GAC
WR-Gavin Lutman, Pittsburg State Sr. Peculiar, Mo. MIAA
WR-Josh Mikes, Winona State Jr. South Elgin, Ill. NSIC
TE-Conner Doherty, Northern State So. Brooksings, S.D. NSIC
OL-Brian Berzanski, Central Missouri Jr. Chicago, Ill. MIAA
OL-Cody Clay, Azusa Pacific Sr. Fullerton, Calif GNAC
OL-C.J. Keeney, Northwest Missouri State Sr. Smithville, Mo. MIAA
OL-Cole Manhart, Nebraska-Kearney Sr. Highlands Ranch, Colo. MIAA
OL-Michael Russell, Ouachita Baptist Jr. Charleston, Ark. GAC
OL-Aaron Sprinkle, Ouachita Baptist Sr. White Hall, Ark. GAC
PK-Connor Frazell, Pittsburg State Sr. Iola, Kan. MIAA
RS-Elby Pope Mary, Sr. Grand Forks, N.D. NSIC

DEFENSE
DL-Glennon Bobo, Henderson State Gr. Ashdown, Ark. GAC
DL-Daniel Holland, East Central Sr. Miami, Fla. GAC
DL-Alex Markarian, Humboldt State Sr. Chino Hills, Calif. GNAC
LB-Steven Fanua, Azusa Pacific Gr. Milpitas, Calif. GNAC
LB-D.J. Gnader, Northwest Missouri State Sr. Council Bluffs, Iowa MIAA
LB-Stephen Juergens, Missouri Western State Sr. Kearney, Mo. MIAA
LB-Eric Reimer, Northwest Missouri State Sr. Menomonee Falls, Wis. MIAA
LB-Alex Wahl Upper Iowa Jr. Elgin, Ill. NSIC
CB-Mike Early Arkansas-Monticello Sr. Denham Springs, La. GAC
CB-Michael Jordan, Missouri Western State Jr. St. Louis, Mo. MIAA CB Darious Lane Harding Sr. Miami, Fla. GAC
S-Jared Fox, Northwest Missouri State Sr. St. Joseph, Mo. MIAA
S-Keeston Terry, Pittsburg State Sr. Blue Springs, Mo. MIAA
S-Tyler Thornton, Azusa Pacific Sr. Bakersfield, Calif. GNAC
P-Mike Wenk, Southwest Minnesota State Sr. Hartford, S.D. NSIC

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Offense – Anthony Abenoja, QB, Pittsburg State
Defense – Matt Longacre, DE, Northwest Missouri State

FHSU Athletics

Fort Hays State University senior defensive lineman Jesse Trent became the first three-time CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-America selection in school history as he was named to the All-America First Team as a defensive lineman on Wednesday (Dec. 3). After two years of garnering second-team honors, Trent earned first-team honors in a year that he helped the Tigers win seven games in a season for the first time since 1996.

Trent is a Biology major with a grade-point average of 3.89. He has been a leader through example both on and off the field at Fort Hays State throughout his career as he plans to further his education upon graduation.

Anchoring the defensive line at defensive tackle, Trent tied for the lead in tackles among FHSU defensive linemen with 40. He also added 1.5 sacks, 5.0 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. Trent was an All-MIAA selection for the second straight year, earning an honorable mention selection after garnering third-team honors the year prior. He is a two-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, for student-athletes who attain All-MIAA honors and hold a GPA of at least 3.5.

Trent helped the Tigers to a record of 7-4 in 2014, the first seven-win season for FHSU since the 1996 season. FHSU finished in a tie for fourth in the MIAA standings, its highest-ever finish since joining the conference in 2006.

Trent’s selection gives Fort Hays State 43 CoSIDA Academic All-America selections all-time, the first dating back to 1975.

For a second straight week, the Fort Hays State Lady Tigers are receiving votes in the WBCA Division II Top-25 poll. The Lady Tigers are actually receiving one less vote than they did a week ago despite picking up two wins and moving to 5-1.

Four MIAA teams are ranked again this week led by Emporia State who takes over the top-spot. Washburn is up 11 spots to No. 7 and despite suffering their first loss of the season, Pittsburg State moves up two spots to No. 8. Central Missouri moves up three to No. 21.

Complete WBCA poll below…

Rank	Institution – First Place Votes	Previous Rank	Record	Total Points
1.	Emporia State University (Kan.) – 22	2	5-0	773
2.	Wayne State College (Neb.) – 4	3	7-0	756
3.	Lewis University (Ill.) – 6	4	5-0	725
4.	Nova Southeastern University (Fla)	1	5-1	630
5.	Northern State University (S.D.)	12	7-0	607
6.	West Texas A&M University	T8	4-1	524
7.	Washburn University (Kan.)	18	6-0	515
8.	Pittsburg State University (Kan.)	10	7-1	504
9.	University of Tampa (Fla.)	6	5-1	408
10.	Stonehill College (Mass.)	23	5-0	376
11.	Wayne State University (Mich.)	13	2-0	355
12.	Limestone College (S.C.)	15	5-1	315
13.	Drury University (Mo.)	7	4-2	312
14.	Colorado Mesa University	16	3-1	307
15.	Rollins College (Fla.)	14	5-1	304
16.	Adelphi University (N.Y.)	25	6-0	275
17.	Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania	20	4-1	272
18.	University of Alaska – Anchorage	NR	5-0	247
19.	Union University (Tenn.)	NR	4-0	231
20.	Harding University (Ark.)	T8	4-2	217
21.	University of Central Missouri	24	5-1	149
22.	Cal Poly – Pomona	17	2-2	137
23.	Seattle Pacific University (Wash.)	NR	5-0	135
24.	West Liberty University (W.Va.)	21	4-1	126
25.	Gannon University (Pa.)	5	3-2	110

Dropped out: Edinboro University (Pa.); Bentley University (Mass.); California University of Pennsylvania (Pa.).

Others receiving votes: Edinboro University (Pa.) 106; Bentley University (Mass.) 97; Arkansas Tech University (Ark.) 88; California University of Pennsylvania (Pa.) 82; University of North Georgia 77; Assumption College (Mass.) 64; Grand Valley State University (Mich.) 60; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 56; California State University – San Bernardino 44; Michigan Technological University 38; Midwestern State University (Texas) 33; Western Washington University 32; Missouri Southern State University (Mo.) 29; Florida Institute of Technology (Fla.) 28; University of District of Columbia (D.C.) 28; Indiana University of Pennsylvania 27; Fort Hays State University (Kan.) 25; Saint Cloud State University (Minn.) 22; Simon Fraser University (B.C.) 20; California Baptist University 18; Concordia University (Minn.) 17; Philadelphia University (Pa.) 15; Humboldt State University (Calif.) 14; Virginia State University (Va.) 13; Columbus State University (Ga.) 8; Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Okla.) 8; Texas A&M International University 8; University of New Haven (Conn.) 8; Minnesota State University – Mankato 5; Rockhurst University (Mo.) 5; University of Findlay (Ohio) 4; California State University – East Bay 2; Minot State University (N.D.) 2; Tarleton State University (Texas) 2; University of North Alabama (Ala.) 2; Northern Michigan University 1; University of Wisconsin – Parkside 1.

FHSU Athletics

Fort Hays State continued to receive votes in the NABC Division II Men’s Basketball Poll, released on Tuesday (Dec. 2). Fort Hays State has received votes in the first two regular season polls of the season and the preseason poll. Fort Hays State enters play this week at 4-2 overall and faces the No. 6 ranked team in the nation to open MIAA play.

Central Missouri is the only MIAA school in the top 25 currently. The defending national champion moved up from No. 10 in the first regular season poll to No. 6 this week, carrying a perfect 7-0 record. The Mules put that perfect mark to the test at Gross Memorial Coliseum inThursday in the first conference game of the season. The Mules were picked first in the MIAA Coaches Preseason Poll, while Fort Hays State was picked second.

Also receiving votes with the Tigers from the MIAA is Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats own an overall record of 5-1 going into MIAA play this week.

Fort Hays State has won the last three meetings with Central Missouri in Hays, which includes the 2012-13, 2011-12, and 2010-11 seasons. At least one of the teams were ranked in two of those three meetings. Central Missouri was No. 25 in the nation in 2011-12 and Fort Hays State won that game 67-66 on a last second tip-in by Karron McKenzie. Fort Hays State was No. 5 in the nation in 2010-11 and won handily 83-59.

Central Missouri’s last win in Hays occurred during the 2009-10 season by a score of 79-63, when both teams were ranked in the top 10, UCM at No. 3 and FHSU at No. 10. The Mules got revenge after the Tigers had knocked them from the No. 1 ranking in the nation earlier in the season in Warrensburg, which happens to be the last time FHSU won in Warrensburg. Both teams own three-game win streaks against each other on their home floors currently.

Below are the rankings for December 2, 2014…

	Team	Record	Points
1.	West Liberty (W.Va.) (14)	5-0	397
2.	Southern Connecticut State	6-0	378
3.	Bellarmine (Ky.) (2)	6-0	369
4.	Florida Southern	6-0	356
5.	Indiana (Pa.)	7-0	324
6.	Central Missouri	7-0	293
7.	Tarleton State (Texas)	5-0	288
8.	Colorado-Colorado Springs	5-0	283
9.	Metropolitan State (Colo.)	5-1	268
10.	Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.)	6-0	242
11.	Augustana (S.D.)	7-0	215
12.	Barrry (Fla.)	5-0	195
13.	Minnesota State	5-1	191
14.	Drury (Mo.)	4-1	188
15.	Alabama-Huntsville	5-0	186
16.	Indianapolis (Ind.)	6-0	137
17.	California Baptist	5-1	122
18.	Mount Olive (N.C.)	7-0	93
19.	Minnesota State-Moorhead	7-0	87
20.	Michigan Tech	3-0	78
21.	Findlay (Ohio)	1-1	73
22.	Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.)	5-0	66
23.	BYU-Hawaii	4-0	62
24.	Christian Brothers (Tenn.)	2-1	53
25.	Florida Tech	7-0	41

Others receiving votes: Colorado School of Mines 32, Northwest Missouri State 29, Newberry (S.C.) 23, GRU Augusta (Ga.) 21, Lewis (Ill.) 20, Azuza Pacific (Calif.) 13, Fort Lewis (Colo.) 9, Western Washington 9, Angelo State (Texas) 8, Chaminade (Hawaii) 8, Walsh (Ohio) 8, Chico State (Calif.) 7, St. Edward’s (Texas) 7, UNC Pembroke 7, Seattle Pacific (Wash.) 6, Texas A&M-Commerce 6, Southern Indiana 5, Wingate (S.C.) 5, Wisconsin-Parkside 3, Cal Poly Pomona 2, Colorado Mesa 2, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 2, Alderson-Broaddus (W.Va.) 1, Tuskegee (Ala.) 1, UC San Diego 1.