The Missouri Western men’s basketball team fell for the sixth time in its last seven games which includes its fourth straight Wednesday evening falling 73-57 against the Fort Hays State Tigers. The Griffons made just six field goals in the first half falling to 9-16 overall and 5-12 in MIAA play.

MWSU scored just 13 points in the first twelve and a half minutes of the game getting down 29-13. The rest of the half they outscored the Tigers 11-4 going into halftime down 34-23. The Tigers dominated the points in the paint outscoring the Griffons 18-6 and scored eight points off nine Missouri Western turnovers.

The Griffon made its first three point shot of the game and then proceeded to go 0-11 the rest of the half. The did shoot free throws well making 10-of-12 in the frame. Reed Mells led the way in the half for the Griffons scoring nine points.

The Tigers were led by Dwayne Brunson scoring 12 points and snaring six rebounds. FHSU made 14-of-28 field goals in the half and had 10 assists.

The Griffons cut the Tiger lead to nine at 45-36 after two Adarius Fulton free throws with 12:53 to play in the game. The rest of game was all Tigers as they outscored the Griffons 28-21 on their way to the season sweep over MWSU.

The Griffons shot better in the second half making 11-of-24 field goals and making five three point shots. Eight different Griffons scored in the game with Mells leading the way with 15 points.

The Tigers improve to 18-7 overall and 12-5 in MIAA play. Brunson dumped in 20 points while Ben Congiusta, Lance Russell and Craig Nicholson pitched in 15, 11 and 10 respectively. Congiusta also pitched in eight assists.

The Griffons will close out the regular season on Saturday, March 2 against Southwest Baptist in St. Joseph, Mo. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 pm from the MWSU Fieldhouse. The Griffons will honor two seniors (Dylan Frantz and Alex Tuluka-Mfumupembe) before the game. It will also be the last home game that MWSU coach Tom Smith will coach in his career.

— MWSU Sports Information —