Box Score
The 12th-ranked FHSU men's basketball team suffered its fourth loss of the season on Saturday (Feb. 12) at Central Missouri by a score of 75-68. The Tigers made a late push to tie the game with 3:55 remaining, but the Mules were rock solid shooting free-throws down the stretch. Fort Hays State is now 20-4 overall and 14-4 in the MIAA.
The Tigers had an off-day shooting the ball from the field and free-throw line, which ultimately led to the loss. FHSU shot a season-low 41.7 percent from the field and just 21.1 percent (4-of-19) beyond the 3-point line. The Tigers also struggled from the free-throw line for the second straight game at 63.6 percent (14-of-22).
Central Missouri essentially won the game at the free-throw line, hitting 28-of-33 attempts (84.8 percent). The Mules made three less field goals than the Tigers, but shot a higher percentage from the field at 44.9 percent. The Mules remain nearly unbeatable at home this year, now 11-1 in their home building. They took out MIAA leader Missouri Southern earlier this year at home.
Dijon Smith led FHSU in scoring with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting and a 4-of-8 effort at the line. The Tigers did not have him for the final 5:28 of the game after he fouled out.
Dominique Jones struggled to find his stroke from the field, just 4-of-13, but he was 7-of-8 from the free-throw line to finish with 16 points. Corbin Kuntzsch was the only other Tiger in double figures with 11 points.
Boo Hunter finished with a game-high 22 points for the Mules, doing the majority of his damage at the free-throw line where he was 11-of-12. Tyrone Young and Joel Barkers each finished with 13 and Bryce Brunz added 10.
If Missouri Southern wins on Saturday night against Emporia State at home, it will take a two-game lead on FHSU in the MIAA standings. The Lions play at Washburn and Fort Hays State next week, so the Tigers need a bit of help to reel the Lions back in for the conference regular season title.
The Tigers have their final two home games next week, hosting Southwest Baptist on Wednesday night and the match-up with Missouri Southern on Saturday.
