Kearney, Neb. – The Fort Hays State Tigers shot 58 percent from the field to pull away from Nebraska-Kearney, 78-69, Saturday evening in Kansas.

FHSU (11-5, 4-3) improves to 9-0 in Gross Memorial Coliseum while UNK (6-10, 2-5) drops a third straight game.

Trying to beat its archrival for a fifth consecutive time, the Lopers scored the first five points. However, UNK went ice cold after that, making just five of its next 27 shots (19 percent). That included a 0 of 12 effort from down town and a 10-minute stretch without a bucket.

Despite the offensive struggles, the Lopers were down just 29-20 at the break. But the Tigers slowly warmed up as the night wore on while UNK missed its first three shots to start the second half. Hays took advantage, scoring the first eight points after the break to open up a 17-point cushion, its biggest lead of the game.

"Shots weren't falling early and for a team that likes to score, when that happens, that really effects other parts of the game. I thought we had some decent stretches and hung in there. We found a way to cut it to single digits a couple of times but it wasn't enough," said Loper head coach Kevin Lofton.

UNK made 17 of its final 25 shots (68 percent), including four threes, but never got the deficit lower than nine. Hays was even hotter offensively, making 18 of 25 field goals (72 percent) over the final 20 minutes. That included 5 of 6 three point shooting and, for added measure, an 8 of 11 effort from the line.

"Hays made plays at home and shot the ball really well from the three point line. They executed, were tough and got stops when they needed," said Lofton.

Senior forward Hadley Gillum paced FHSU with 23 points and nine rebounds (eight defensive). Making all seven free throws he attempted, he was 8 of 14 from the field and reached his production in just 24 minutes. Seventeen of his points came in the second half. 

Three other Tigers reached double digits, including reserve Jared Vitztum. The 6-7 redshirt freshman, a Hays native, came in with 32 points in eight games but tallied 15 today thanks to 6 of 6 (3 of 3 threes) shooting.

As a team, FHSU got 23 points off its bench and had eight different players in the scoring column. UNK finished plus two on the glass to tally 10 second chance points but was a season-low 4 of 22 (18 percent) from the arc.

"We're so limited right now. Trey (Lansman) can get something done anytime he touches it but he is always double teamed whether it be in the paint or on the perimeter. Yashua (Trent) is our next best guy and he is in a brace. They both can get into the lane and that helps loosen the defense," said Lofton. "That being said, we got our looks. We just have to keep battling and I liked what I heard from the guys in the locker room afterwards."

Scoring 20 points in the second half, Lansman (Harlan, Ia.) managed to record his ninth double double of the year (27 points and 10 rebounds). Going 10 of 22 from the field and 5 of 5 at the line, he played 35 minutes before fouling out late. Lansman now ranks 10th all-time on UNK's career scoring list (1,762).

Playing all 40 minutes, Pierce senior guard Lane Rohrich went for 21 points, six assists and three rebounds (two offensive). He was 8 of 15 from the field to have his second 20-point game of the year. Finally, off the bench, Iowa junior forward Carter Burns had five points and two board in 10 minutes.

UNK hosts defending national champion Northwest Missouri State (14-1, 6-1) and Missouri Western State (3-11, 1-6) next weekend.