FHSU Athletics
Manhattan Christian (4-2) at
Fort Hays State (4-1)
Saturday, November 26 – 7 PM
Hays, Kan. – Gross Memorial Coliseum
Game Sponsor: Riverside Chiropractic
National Anthem: FHSU Pep Band
Promotion: Toys for Tots Stuffed Animal Toss - Bring a stuffed animal to toss at halftime of the men's game, and get a $5 GA ticket.
Radio: KJLS (103.3)
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The Fort Hays State men will reach the end of their non-conference schedule on Saturday (Nov. 26) when they host Manhattan Christian College. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum, which follows the women's contest against Tabor College at 5 p.m. FHSU enters at 4-1 on the season, while Manhattan Christian is 4-2 on the season, but will claim this contest as an exhibition.
The Tigers more than doubled up Central Christian in their last outing, winning 65-32 on Tuesday. FHSU held Central Christian to 10 first-half points and held a 25-point halftime lead before winning by 33. Kaleb Hammeke reached double figures with 10 points, while Traejon Davis had a career-high 11 rebounds. Jaheim Holden joined Hammeke for top assist honors in the game, each with five.
The Tigers have won four straight after dropping the season opener at Southwestern Oklahoma State. The streak includes a pair of wins over Division II opponents and a pair of wins over NAIA opponents. Manhattan Christian is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). FHSU will start its 22-game MIAA schedule next week with Northeastern State and Rogers State in Hays.
After finishing second in Division II in scoring defense last year, the Tigers are near the top of the list again through five games this season. FHSU has held opponents inside 60 points in four of five games this season. The only contest it did not was the 68-66 win over MSU Denver last Sunday. FHSU currently ranks fourth in NCAA Division II for scoring defense, allowing just 53 points per game.
Holding opponents to a low shooting percentage has been a big part of the defensive effort for FHSU The Tigers are holding the opposition to just 33.7 percent shooting from the field so far, which is also fourth-best in Division II.
On the offensive end of the floor, the Tigers are shooting free throws well as a team. FHSU ranks fifth in Division II for free-throw percentage as a team, currently hitting at an 84.6 percent clip. Four Tigers are still perfect at the line this season.
Kaleb Hammeke leads the scoring effort for FHSU at 14.0 points per game, and he is the top assister at 4.0 per game. Iyen Enaruna (5.8) and Gabe Pieschl (5.4) are each averaging more than five rebounds per game.
Manhattan Christian has played two NCAA Division II schools in exhibition this season. They fell to Nebraska-Kearney 89-54 on November 15 and Northwestern Oklahoma State 103-54 on November 22. Both of those contests, like the upcoming game with FHSU, were exhibitions for MCC.