FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State used some stifling defense to end their four-game losing streak with a 62-56 win over Emporia State Thursday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Down just two at halftime, the Tigers made the first basket of the second half and led the rest of the way, sweeping the Hornets in the regular season series.
The Tigers (16-8, 8-7 MIAA) battled through some first-half shooting struggles, especially from the perimeter. However, they held the Hornet offense at bay in the first half to keep the game close. Emporia State (8-16, 4-11 MIAA) led by as many as eight in the first half before the Tigers knotted the score at the 2:42 mark. Emporia State made the last basket of the first half with 40 seconds to go, taking a 24-22 advantage in the locker room.
A minute out of halftime, Jahvari Martino pushed the Tigers into the lead for good with a 3-point field goal, one of his team-leading four in the game. The Tigers opened the second half on an 8-0 run as Dan Mukuna added a two and Lucas Hammeke canned a three to cap the run. The Tigers eventually used a 7-0 run to go up 11 with 8:29 to play, capped on another Martino three. But, the Hornets were able to hang around and trim the lead to four three times before the Tigers ultimately put the game away with a Kyle Grill fast-break dunk with seven seconds remaining.
Mukuna led the Tigers in scoring with 15 points, getting nearly half at the free-throw line where he was 7-of-9. Martino finished with 14, while Muhamed Kante extended his streak of scoring in double figures to three-straight games with 12. Mukuna led the team in rebounds with eight, while Hammeke dished out a team-best four assists.
Trey Redd led the Hornets with 12 points and Mason Jones followed with 11. Chris Harris pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds for ESU. Redd led the Hornets in assists with three.
Fort Hays State plays host to Newman on Saturday (Feb. 14). Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. It will be Senior Day as Muhamed Kante and Juju Ramirez will be recognized immediately following the women's game.