Hailey
Basketball fans at White Auditorium were treated to an exciting and tense matchup on Thursday evening as the Fort Hays State Tigers edged past the Emporia State Hornets with a close 73-70 victory.
The game stayed tight from start to finish, keeping supporters on the edge of their seats until the final seconds.
This win helped Fort Hays State improve to 11-4 overall and 3-3 in the MIAA, while Emporia State dropped to 4-10 overall and is still searching for its first conference win at 0-5.
The match showed strong effort from both teams, but it was the Tigers’ composure in key moments that made the difference.
A First Half Filled With Lead Changes
Back-and-Forth Basketball Early On
The opening half of the game was extremely competitive. Neither team was able to pull away early, and the largest lead was just three points for most of the first 15 minutes. Both sides traded baskets, and the energy inside White Auditorium remained high.
As the clock moved closer to halftime, Fort Hays State finally found a rhythm. The Tigers went on an impressive 9-0 run, pushing their advantage to 29-21. This looked like it could be a turning point, but Emporia State responded quickly.
Hornets Rally Before the Break
The Hornets finished the half strong, closing on an 11-2 run to take back the lead. At halftime, Emporia State held a slim 32-31 advantage. The first half alone featured 12 lead changes and two ties, showing just how evenly matched both teams were.
Tigers Take Control After Halftime
Strong Start Sets the Tone
The second half started with confidence from the Tigers. Lucas Hammeke opened the scoring with a key three-point play, which gave Fort Hays State the lead for good. That basket sparked an 11-2 run, allowing the Tigers to rebuild an eight-point cushion.
By the 10:59 mark, the Tigers had pushed their lead into double digits. They even led by 11 points on two occasions, thanks to solid defense and efficient scoring.
Late Push From Emporia State
Despite trailing, the Hornets never gave up. Emporia State chipped away at the lead in the final minutes and came within two points with just five seconds remaining.
However, strong defense from the Tigers prevented the Hornets from getting a clean three-point attempt, sealing the win for Fort Hays State.
Dan Mukuna Shines With a Double-Double
Standout Performance for the Tigers
The star of the night was Dan Mukuna, who delivered a powerful double-double. He finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds, leading all scorers. Mukuna was highly efficient, shooting 11-of-18 from the field and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line.
He also showed defensive strength, tying for the team lead with three steals. His performance played a major role in helping the Tigers stay calm under pressure.
Other Key Contributors
Several Tigers stepped up alongside Mukuna:
- Kyle Grill scored 16 points
- Jahvari Martino added 12 points
- Lucas Hammeke led the team with four assists
Hornets Fight Hard but Fall Short
Strong Individual Efforts
Even in defeat, Emporia State had some impressive performances. Chris Harris led the Hornets with 24 points, showing consistency throughout the game. Treyvon Taylor added 13 points, while Trey Redd contributed 11 points and a team-high six assists.
The Hornets’ effort was strong, especially late in the game, but they just could not make the final play count.
Game Stats at a Glance
| Team | Final Score | Overall Record | Conference Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State Tigers | 73 | 11-4 | 3-3 |
| Emporia State Hornets | 70 | 4-10 | 0-5 |
Tigers Continue Strong Run in the Series
This victory added to Fort Hays State’s recent success against Emporia State at White Auditorium. The Tigers have now won 10 of their last 12 games at this venue against the Hornets. Looking at the broader picture, Fort Hays State has captured five of the last six meetings in the overall series.
What’s Next for Fort Hays State?
The Tigers will enjoy a full week off, giving players time to rest and prepare. They return to action next Thursday with a road game against Missouri Western, where they will look to build momentum and improve their conference standing.
This close win showed why Fort Hays State remains a tough team to beat. With Dan Mukuna’s double-double, strong teamwork, and calm play in the final moments, the Tigers proved they can handle pressure situations.
While Emporia State fought hard and nearly forced a dramatic finish, the Tigers’ early second-half push made the difference. As the season continues, performances like this will be important for Fort Hays State as they aim to climb higher in the MIAA standings.