Four Fort Hays State University players reached double figures in scoring and the Tigers earned a season-opening 88-78 victory over Arkansas Tech University in non-conference men’s basketball at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Friday night.
The Tigers (1-0) led 44-31 at halftime and by as many as 25 points early in the second half.
The Wonder Boys (0-1) rallied to pull within 84-78 with 26.2 seconds remaining, but Fort Hays State made 4-of-4 free throws over the final 19.5 seconds to seal the win.
Nyjee Wright scored a career-high 22 points for the Tigers. He was 8-of-13 from the field, including a 3-pointer with 58 seconds left that was integral in holding off Arkansas Tech’s charge.
Aaron Nicholson notched 16 points, Gilbert Peters had 14 points and 11 rebounds and Devin Davis added 12 points for Fort Hays State.
Dillon Gooding poured in 22 points for the Wonder Boys. The freshman from Killeen, Texas, was 9-of-16 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3-point range.
Ramses Sandifer and R.J. Glasper contributed 15 points apiece for ATU.
Arkansas Tech will face Emporia State University for a 5 p.m. contest at Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Nov. 9. Live coverage will be available on www.arkansastechsports.com.
