The Fort Hays State men's basketball team hosts long-time rival Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday (Feb. 22) at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Game time is set for 4 pm. The Tigers look to avenge a loss to the rival Lopers just a couple of weeks ago in Kearney, entering the game at 20-5 overall and 11-5 in the MIAA. Nebraska-Kearney is 12-11 overall and 8-8 in the MIAA.
The Tigers are coming off a loss at Washburn on Wednesday evening in their final regular season road game. Just prior to the game, the Tigers were ranked No. 6 in the first set of NCAA Central Region Rankings. Eight teams in the region are selected for the NCAA Tournament but three selections go to conference tournament champions. Fort Hays State will need to play well down the stretch to hopefully solidify a spot in the tournament, barring any major upsets in conference tournaments.
The Tigers are currently in fourth place alone in the MIAA standings. The top four teams receive an opening round bye in the conference tournament, which begins March 4. However, the Tigers are now just one game clear of Central Oklahoma in the standings after the loss at Washburn. Central Oklahoma hosts Northeastern State on Saturday, then goes on the road for its last two at Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney next week.
Nebraska-Kearney has been red hot. The Lopers had won seven straight games until having that streak snapped at Emporia State on Wednesday night. UNK had vaulted all the way to sixth in the MIAA standings prior to that loss, but now sit in a tie for eighth.
Craig Nicholson leads FHSU in scoring at 17.6 points per game. He also leads in assists at 7.5 per game.
Dwayne Brunson is averaging 17.1 points and a team-high 7.7 rebounds per game.
Carson Konrade also averages double figures in scoring at 13.0 points per game.
James Fleming has reached double figures in scoring in seven of his last 10 games and
Tomislav Gabric has reached double figures in three of its last four.
Several promotions highlight the game on Saturday, including the following...
-Fans can buy "Think Pink" t-shirts at the game promoting breast cancer awareness. They can also be purchased prior to the game by calling assistant women's basketball coach
Talia Miller at 785-628-4024. Â T-shirts cost $12, with proceeds going towards the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
-The FHSU Foundation is giving fans a chance to win concert tickets to see George Strait.  Beginning at the start of the women's game on Saturday (2pm), fans can register near Gate 2 to win.  Registration is
FREE. Â Winner will be announced at men's game halftime. Â
-Final game of the Greek Week Challenge.  Winner will be recognized at the Central Oklahoma game on Feb. 26 and will receive the Greek Week Cup. Â
-Text-to-win promotion ... Tigers gift card to The Mall is currently at $505 and Lady Tigers is at $484.  Saturday's keyword will be announced at the game.
