Box Score
Box Score

Both teams struggled early on offense, but the Tigers pulled away in the second half to grind out a victory at Nebraska-Kearney in the season opener by a score of 65-51. The Tigers led by just two points at halftime, but went on a 9-0 run midway through the second half after the game was tied. The Tigers kept the Lopers at arms length the remainder of the game.

Markus Yarbrough's size inside played a big factor in the second half. He scored the first five points of the 9-0 run by the Tigers in the second half. He ended with a team-high 11 points in the win. Karron McKenzie was the only other Tiger to reach double figures in scoring with 10.

Jason Ball and Sean Dreiling were the offensive spark for the Tigers in the first half. Ball scored seven of his nine points and Dreiling six of his eight points in the first half. The nine points for Ball was a career high.

Matt Simmons had a great start to the year on the glass, pulling down 16 rebounds to tie his career high, which he reached twice last year.

For the game, Fort Hays State shot 46.7 percent from the field, while the Lopers shot only 31.3 percent. Both teams struggled a bit from the line, the Tigers shooting 67.9 percent (19-of-28) and the Lopers 66.7 percent (18-of-27).

Jon Henderson led the Lopers with 11 points, followed by Quinston Reggins and Mike Dentlinger each with 10.

Fort Hays State plays its first home game of the season on Tuesday (Nov. 15). The Tigers host Bethany College at 7 pm.