By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
HAYS - The Fort Hays State men's basketball team scored the first seven points and never trailed as they opened their 50th season at Gross Memorial Coliseum with a 90-59 win over Bethel College Thursday.
Jaheim Holden scored 15 of his career-high 21 points in the first half and was one of three Tigers to score double-figures. Holden went 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and hit all six of his free throw attempts. Elihah Nnanabu added a career-high 19 points and seven rebounds. Kaleb Hammeke chipped in with 13.
After struggling offensively in their opening two games last weekend in Oklahoma, the Tigers shot 52-percent against the Threshers and went 9-for-17 from beyond the arc.
After building a 23 point lead at the half, the Tigers never let Bethel any closer than 19 in the second half. The Tigers' largest lead was 33 when Geoff Hamperian slammed home a fast break dunk on an assist from Lucas Hammeke with 1:16 to go.
Bethel was held to 35.3 percent shooting and is the third straight opponent Fort Hays State has held under 60 points this season.
Clifford Byrd II led the Threshers with 10 points, and he tied for a team-high four rebounds.
UP NEXT
Fort Hays State is back at home Sunday to play MSU Denver at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.