Hot first half shooting by Fort Hays State left little doubt in Friday night's outcome against Avila University. The Tigers shot 64.5% in the first half, making 20 of 31 shots and 5 of 12 three point attempts.
FHSU used an 8-0 run to break a two point tie and take a lead they would never give back. The run was sparked by back to back Aaron Nicholson three pointers and capped by a Jake Hutchings two handed dunk.
Avila kept in contact twice cutting the lead down to three. The last of which occurred on a four point play with 9:26 left in the half at 25-22. The Tigers ran away with the game from there.
A 24-3 run over the final nine minutes allowed the Tigers to pull ahead 49-25 at the break. The Eagles scored just one field goal and was 1 of 3 from the free throw line in those final nine minutes.
Fort Hays State didn't yield a field goal until there was 12:35 left in the second half and during that time built their lead as high as 37 points. A 15-2 run to open the second half allowed the Tigers to start substituting early.
Avila's best stretch of scoring game midway through the second half. A 15-2 run closed the difference down to 25 at 71-46 with 8:43 remaining. Fort Hays State then promptly scored the next 14 points.
The Tigers put five in double figures during the 96-55 victory. Perry Carroll came off the bench to score 17 along with the same amount of points for Jake Hutchings. Aaron Nicholson scored 16, Alvin Thompson 11 and Devin Davis 10.
Fort Hays State improves to 6-4 while Avila University falls to 7-9. The Tigers are of until January 4th when they host Missouri Southern to resume MIAA play.
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