TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State fell in its first road MIAA contest of the season by a score of 69-58 at Washburn on Wednesday night (Dec. 6). The Tigers had a poor night shooting the ball, hitting at just a 30.6 percent clip from the field. FHSU moved to 6-3 overall, 2-1 in the MIAA, while Washburn moved to 6-3 overall and 1-0 in the MIAA.
 
Fort Hays State held a five-point lead early at 11-6, but Washburn eventually took control at the end of the first half. The Ichabods built an eight-point lead by halftime, 32-24, thanks to a 3-point field goal on their final possession of the first half.
 
The Tigers sliced the lead down to five three times in the second half, the latest occurrence at the 12:11 mark. However, a 7-0 run by Washburn pushed the lead back to 12 and controlled the game the rest of the way.
 
The Tigers hit only 19-of-62 field goal attempts for the game, which included a 7-of-25 (28 percent) effort beyond the 3-point line. FHSU never gained any rhythm offensively, despite keeping Washburn off the offensive glass and forcing two more turnovers. FHSU outrebounded WU 37-32 and forced 18 turnovers, but the Tigers tied their season high in turnovers allowed with 16. FHSU was great on the offensive glass, with a 15-2 advantage in that department, but managed only nine second-chance points. Washburn made up for its deficiencies by shooting 54.5 percent from the field.
 
Hadley Gillum led the Tigers in scoring with 11 points, but fouled out with 5:50 remaining in the game. Kyler Kinnamon and Payton Stephens each chipped in 10 points. Brady Werth had a team-high nine rebounds.
 
Brady Skeens paced the scoring effort for Washburn with 16 points and a team-best seven rebounds. Javion Blake had 15, while Tyas Martin and Isaac Clark each had 11.
 
The Tigers return to action on the road at Emporia State on Saturday (Dec. 9). Tip off is set for 3:30 pm at White Auditorium in Emporia.