Box Score

HAYS, Kan. – Craig Nicholson hit one of two free throws with seven seconds remaining to lift Fort Hays State (Kan.) to a 76-75 victory over Southwest Minnesota State in non-conference men's basketball on Saturday night. It was the season opener for both teams.
 
Following the free throw, SMSU had a chance at the victory, but Ryan Bruggeman's shot was missed in the final seconds and FHSU was able to secure the rebound and the victory.
 
SMSU's Joey Bartlett led all scorers with 28 points on 10 of 16 shooting, including 5 of 6 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists. The 27 points was one shy of his career-high. Mitch Weg added 13 points and six rebounds for the Mustangs.
 
SMSU finished the night shooting 51 percent (26 of 51) from the field, including 10 of 22 from 3-point range.
 
FHSU closed the game shooting 49 percent (28 of 57), including 4 of 10 on 3-pointers. The Tigers struggled from the free throw line, making just 16 of 30.
 
Shaun Condon scored eight points to help the SMSU charge, with teammates MJ Delmore and Turner Moen each chipping in with six points each.
 
The game was a back-and-forth affair, featuring 10 ties and 19 lead changes. FHSU held a 73-69 lead with two minutes and 17 seconds left following a pair of free throws by Nicholson. Bartlett answered with a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 73-72 with just over two minutes remaining. After Nicholson missed a 3-poitner, Bartlett put SMSU in the lead with a field goal at the 1:18 mark to make the score 74-73.
 
On FHSU's next possession, Dom Samac scored with 57 seconds remaining on a layup to put the Tigers back in the lead at 75-74.
 
SMSU's Shaun Condon was fouled on the ensuing possession, but made just one of two free throws with 34 seconds remaining, setting up the Tigers' final possession and eventual game-winning free throw.
 
FHSU held its largest lead of the game in the opening half, building a 35-25 lead with 2:37 remaining, but SMSU closed the half on a 6-2 run to cut FHSU's lead to 37-31 at halftime.
 
SMSU continued its solid play into the second half, eventually taking a 44-40 lead—it's largest of the half—with 16:39 left after a 3-pointer by Taylor Schafer.
 
Southwest Minnesota State closes the weekend tomorrow versus Emporia State (Kan.) starting at 2 p.m. in Hays, Kan. ESU lost its season opener on Saturday to the University of Sioux Falls.