HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State survived its worst shooting percentage from the field since the 2011-12 season on Wednesday night (Nov. 15), edging Central Christian (Kan.) by a score of 64-57 in the 2017-18 home opener. The Tigers shot just 29.6 percent from the field, but managed to hold Central Christian to 35.2 percent overall, while outrebounding Central Christian 46-34. Fort Hays State's 14-6 second-chance points edge in the game was the difference, thanks to a 17-9 edge in offensive rebounds.
 
Fort Hays State pushed out to an early seven-point lead at 11-4, but that was the largest lead it would enjoy in the half as Central Christian chipped away and kept the first half close. Central Christian took the lead three times before FHSU scored the last three points of the half to cling to a 25-23 lead at halftime. At the half, FHSU was shooting just 22.6 percent from the field, while Central Christian was at 32 percent.
 
FHSU looked to be pulling away again after a pair of three-point field goals by Trey O'Neil extended the lead out to eight points. However, Central Christian continued to produce little bursts and a 9-1 run made a four-point FHSU lead into a four-point Central Christian lead. Central Christian held its largest lead at 54-49 with 7:17 to go. FHSU stormed back with an 8-1 run of its own to take the lead back by two on another O'Neil 3-point field goal with 4:38 to play.
 
Central Christian tied the game for a final time at the 3:43 mark, but FHSU was able to hold CCC scoreless for the remainder of the game. A wing jumper from Hadley Gillum with 54 seconds to play gave FHSU breathing room and O'Neil closed out the win with a pair of free-throws with 20 seconds remaining.
 
Brady Werth led the Tigers in scoring with 18 points, doing two-thirds of his damage at the free-throw line where he went 12-of-14. He nearly had a double-double by pulling down a team-high nine rebounds. Marcus Cooper also nearly had a double-double, adding 17 points and eight rebounds. O'Neil was the only other Tiger in double figures with 11 points. Calvin Harrington was the only Tiger off the bench to score with eight points, while the rest of the reserves went 0-for-6 from the field. Kyler Kinnamon dished out a team-high four assists. The 29.6 percent shooting effort from the field by FHSU was its lowest since January 4, 2012, when it shot 25.5 percent in a loss at Central Missouri.
 
Jubril Osagie led the way for Central Christian with 17 points, hitting four 3-point field goals. Steve Kuminga added 12 to give CCC two players in double figures.
 
The Tigers return to the court Friday night in Golden, Colorado, where they take on 9^th-ranked Colorado School of Mines at 8 pm Central Time, 7 pm Mountain Time.