Fort Hays State looks to continue its push for a bid to the NCAA Tournament when it hosts Northeastern State on Friday night (Feb. 28) for Senior Night at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Fort Hays State enters the game at 22-5 overall and 13-5 in the MIAA, while Northeastern State is 13-12 overall and 8-10 in the MIAA.
The Tigers locked up a first-round bye in the MIAA Tournament with a thrilling 80-79 win over Central Oklahoma on Wednesday night in Hays.
Craig Nicholson hit a layup with 1.6 seconds remaining to send the Tigers to victory.
Fort Hays State can finish no worse than fourth in the conference standings and are guaranteed at least the No. 4 seed in the MIAA Tournament. If Missouri Southern loses at Lincoln on Saturday, FHSU would jump to the No. 3 seed, but if Missouri Southern wins, FHSU will be the No. 4 seed.
The Tigers need to continue to play strong down the stretch of the season, looking to solidify a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Fort Hays State is currently No. 6 in the Central Region Rankings. Eight teams are selected to compete in the NCAA Tournament and three automatic bids are given to conference tournament champions from the MIAA, NSIC, and GAC.
Nicholson continues to lead the Tigers at 17.9 points and 7.5 assists per game.
Dwayne Brunson adds 16.5 points and a team-high 7.8 rebounds per game.
Carson Konrade is averaging 13.0 points per game and
James Fleming is back to averaging double figures at 10.0 points per game.
Fort Hays State seniors
Dwayne Brunson,
Carson Konrade,
Andrew Victoria,
Chase Waldman, and
Marty Wendel will be recognized prior to the start of the game.
Fort Hays State will find out its potential opponent for the quarterfinals of the MIAA Tournament in Kansas City after all conference games are completed on Saturday.
