Fort Hays State overcame a 15 point deficit to defeat the Emporia State mens basketball team 82-17 Wednesday night.
Emporia State controlled the tempo in the first half, leading 39-26 at halftime. They would build that to a 15 point lead early in the 2nd half. Fort Hays would go on a 22-8 run to take the lead 48-47. Emporia State would never get the lead back. Aaron Nickleson scored 20 second half points to lead the Tigers, making 7 of 9 three point shots for the game. Brady Werth scored 16 of his 19 points in the 2nd half. As a team Fort Hays made 17 threes, 10 in the second half. Emporia State Coach Craig Doty said it was a poor defensive effort in the 2nd half.
Emporia State was led by Justin Washington with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Malik Hluchoweckyj added 16 points, 12 in the second half. With the loss the Hornets are now 7-8 for the season and 2-4 in the MIAA. They will host Nebraska Kearney Sunday afternoon with tipoff at 3:30p.
