By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
HAYS, Kan. – Shaun Riley scored a career-high 24 points and Kyle Grill added a career-best 21 along with a career-high 7 rebounds to lead Fort Hays State to a 76-52 win over South Dakota Mines in their home opener Tuesday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
The Tigers (1-2) scored the game's first eight points and never trailed. The Hardrockers (0-5) pulled within three at 15-12 but FHSU pushed the lead to double-figures at 24-14 on a 3-point play from Riley. Freshman guard Aiden McDowell scored on a driving layup just before the horn to give FHSU a 34-24 halftime lead.
SDM cut the lead to eight several times early in the second half but a 17-7 FHSU run pushed the lead to 20. Peter Asceric hit a three to finish off the Tigers scoring.
Riley dominated in low for the Tigers, going 10-of-12 from the field. It was his second-straight game setting a new career high in points with FHSU after putting up 18 against Concordia St. Paul back on November 9. He also dished out five assists in the game.
Grill went 7-of-12 from the field and made a pair of 3-point field goals, while adding a 5-of-7 effort at the free-throw line. His seven rebounds led the team.
Kaleb Hammeke also reached double figures in scoring for the Tigers with 10, while adding a team-high seven assists.
Fort Hays State shot 58 percent from the field (29-of-50), while holding South Dakota Mines to just 37.8 percent overall.
Guillem Garcia had 13 points, the only player from South Dakota Mines to reach double figures.
UP NEXT
Fort Hays State will have another week off before hosting Central Christian College on Tuesday (Nov. 26) in a contest at noon. For a second-straight year, Hays Elementary Schools will attend the game, which will create a unique atmosphere at the coliseum.