FHSU Downs Central Oklahoma to Advance to Semis

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (FHSU Sports Information) -- Fort Hays State posted its first win in the NCAA Tournament since 2005-06 by a score of 80-64 over Central Oklahoma. The No. 14 ranked Tigers built a 38-32 lead by halftime and then outscored the Bronchos by 10 in the second half. Willie Hassell, Dijon Smith, and Orrin Greer led the Tigers, all with career scoring highs. It was Fort Hays State’s first win in the NCAA Tournament since joining the MIAA and South Central Region.

The teams locked in a tight battle early on, as neither team built a lead of more than four points before the four-minute mark of the first half. Central Oklahoma took a five-point lead of 28-23. The Tigers would go on a 15-4 run from that point to end the first half. Orrin Greer was fouled intentionally on a break-away layup at the 1:50 mark, which resulted in a five-point possession for FHSU after Greer hit the free-throws and Willie Hassell drained a 3-point field goal following. It sparked a 10-0 run by the Tigers.

The Tigers pulled away methodically in the second half. Central Oklahoma pulled to within one point at the 16:30 mark of the second half, but that was the closest it would get. Fort Hays State went on a quick 7-0 burst to take the lead back to eight, then steadily pulled away from that point. Rebounding was a key in the second half with the Tigers winning the board battle by seven and finishing with a 49-42 advantage.

Willie Hassell led Fort Hays State with a career-high 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, which included a 3-of-6 effort beyond the 3-point line. He was 4-of-5 at the free-throw line.

Dijon Smith tied his career high at FHSU with 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting. He was 6-of-8 at the charity stripe. He had 14 of the 20 in the second half.

Orrin Greer set a new career scoring high with 17 points. He was the spark early for Fort Hays State, scoring seven of the team’s first nine points of the game. He also pulled down a career-high seven rebounds.

Five of Fort Hays State’s eight players that saw action had at least six rebounds. Corbin Kuntzsch led the effort on the glass with nine.

Dauntae Williams led Central Oklahoma in points (19), rebounds (9) and assists (4). Chris Rhymes added 15 points for the Bronchos.

The Tigers will play the regional semifinal round against the winner of the game between No. 2 seed Central Missouri and No. 7 seed Missouri Western. The game is set to begin at 4:30 pm on Sunday.