The Fort Hays State men's basketball team returns to action on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 5) against long-time rival Emporia State in Emporia, Kan. This will be the 175th meeting between the schools in men's basketball and the teams meet just one this year in conference play. FHSU enters the game at 8-3 overall, 2-1 in the MIAA, while Emporia State is 5-5 overall, 0-2 in the MIAA.
Fort Hays State is coming off its first conference loss of the season on Thursday evening at Northeastern State by a score of 76-61. It was the first loss of the season for the Tigers by more than two points. The loss snapped a six-game win streak by the Tigers after starting the year 2-2. The Tigers are looking for their second consecutive win in Emporia after winning by five in overtime last year.
Dwayne Brunson continues to lead FHSU in scoring and rebounding at 14.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He is also averaging a team-best 2.4 blocked shots per game. Three more Tigers are averaging double figures in scoring, which includes
Lance Russell (13.4 ppg),
Ben Congiusta (13.3 ppg), and
Craig Nicholson (12.5 ppg). Nicholson leads the MIAA in assists per game (6.7).
Emporia State has lost four of its last five games. The Hornets are coming off a non-conference loss at Washburn this past Wedenesday. All three of Emporia State's losses to conference schools this year have been by seven points. The game at Washburn was non-conference since the teams meet just once this year in conference play later this year.
