ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western men's basketball (10-4, 2-2 MIAA) bounced back on Thursday with a strong defensive performance to secure a low-scoring 47-44 victory over Fort Hays State (9-4, 2-2 MIAA) at the MWSU Fieldhouse.
 
With this win and the women's win over third-ranked Hays in the morning game, the Griffons secured their first sweep over the Tigers since Jan. 23, 2020. Additionally, with the victory, the men snapped a three-game losing skid to FHSU after holding them to their lowest scoring percentage this season.
 
Neither team established an offensive rhythm in the opening half that consisted of only one tie and one lead chance. Senior Zane Nelson led the Griffons with eight points on 3-of-6 (50%) shooting, but it was the Tigers' two-time All-MIAA First selection Kaleb Hammeke that led all scorers with nine, helping them to a 22-18 advantage heading into the half.
 
In the second half, momentum shifted in favor of the Griffons, who launched a 13-5 run that started with a three-pointer from senior Kiani Saxon at the 17:44 mark. Saxon contributed five points during this run, which ended with a jumper by senior Justin Bubak, putting the Griffons ahead 31-29. MWSU extended its lead to as much as eight points and maintained their advantage, ultimately securing a 47-44 victory on Tom Smith Court.
 
Nelson led the team with 12 points while also collecting four assists, three steals, a pair of rebounds and a block. Seniors Zion Swader and Ethan Kilgore both finished with nine points, followed by Saxon's eight.
 
MWSU demonstrated strong defense, limiting the Tigers to 17-of-50 shooting (34%) and outrebounding them 38-35. Senior Julius Dixon led the defensive effort after finishing with a season-high ten rebounds.
 
The Griffons will embark on a four-game road trip beginning on Jan. 8 against No. 2 Washburn at 7:30 p.m. from the Lee Arena in Topeka, Kansas. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (available via the Varsity Network App and at GoGriffons.com/listen) and the MIAA Network, with Tommy Rezac providing commentary.