By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State used suffocating defense to pick up their second straight home win over a nationally ranked opponent, beating Missouri Western State 73-49 Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
The Tigers (7-2, 3-1 MIAA) used an early 24-4 run to build a 22-point lead just over 15 minutes into the game. They held the Griffons (7-2, 2-2 MIAA) without a field goal for almost 13 1/2 minutes in the first half and led 35-16 at halftime. FHSU opened the second half with a 15-2 run to go up 47-18 and lead by as many as 31 twice in the second half.
Elijah Nnanabu matched his season-high with 17 points. He also tied for the team lead with seven rebounds and had a career-high seven steals and tied for the team lead with three assists. Shaun Riley added 15 points, R.J. Crawford scored 12.
JaRon Thames was the only Griffon to reach double figures with 11 points.
The Tigers held the Griffons to 32-percent shooting, 20.8 percent in the first half. The Tigers hit on 47.4-percent of their shots. The Tigers forced the Griffons into 19 turnovers while committing only seven of their own and finished the game with 14 steals. The Tigers improved their nation's best scoring defense to 55.6 points per game with the result.
The Tigers will wrap up their non-conference play on Wednesday night when they play host to Bethel College at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.