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The 25th-ranked FHSU men's basketball team hosts Lincoln on Saturday (Jan. 21) to start the second half of the MIAA slate. Tipoff is set for 4 pm at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers enter the game at 12-4 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA. Lincoln enters at 3-12 overall and 3-7 in the MIAA.

The Tigers moved back in the mix in the chase for the MIAA Regular Season Title with a pair of road wins at Pittsburg State and Emporia State over the past week. The Tigers needed overtime on Wednesday night to defeat ESU 72-67. The Tigers look to snap a two-game losing streak at home on Saturday.

Right now it is a six-team race at the top of the conference standings. Four teams (Missouri Southern, Northwest Missouri State, Washburn, and Central Missouri) are all tied for the conference lead at 7-3 in MIAA play. Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State lurk just one game back at 6-4.

Fort Hays State defeated Lincoln earlier this year in Jefferson City, Mo., in the conference opener by a score of 78-65. Fort Hays State received double-double efforts in that game of 26 points and 12 rebounds from Karron McKenzie and 14 points and 12 rebounds from Matt Simmons. The pair also combined for 11 assists in that game, McKenzie with six and Simmons with five. McKenzie's 26 points was a career high and highest output by any Tiger in a game this year. Fort Hays State is 4-0 against Lincoln in Mark Johnson's tenure as head coach.

Karron McKenzie continues to lead FHSU in scoring at 12.8 points per game. He has reached double figures in 14 of 16 contests this year. Tyrone Phillips is averaging 11.4 points, Moses Dayee is averaging 11.3 points, and Kendrick Morse is averaging 10.4 points. Dayee took over the team lead in 3-point field goals made on Wednesday at Emporia State, now with 20 on the season, while playing in just seven games so far. Phillips and Morse are just one behind with 19 each beyond the arc.

Matt Simmons continues to lead the MIAA in rebounding at 9.6 per game. He also chips in 7.7 points per game and 2.4 assists per game. He is tied for the MIAA lead in blocked shots per game at 1.7.

Saturday marks 'Gold Rush the Coliseum as we unite to Fight Childhood Cancer', sponsored by Eagle Communications. Fans are encouraged to wear gold in support of the cause. Eagle Communications has teamed up with the FHSU organization Up 'Til Dawn, which will be taking donations for the cause at the games on Saturday.

Saturday is also Youth Day at the Coliseum. All kids 6th grade and under receive FREE ADMISSION to 
Saturday's games courtesy of Eagle Communications.