Tigers Compete Against Coffeyville and Hutchinson to Open Conference Play

Men's basketball fell to the Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens on Thursday, 75-79, in their home and conference opener. The Tigers then played against the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons on Saturday at home, where they fell 89-94 in overtime. 

Game vs. Coffeyville

Coffeyville would get the scoring started in the game with FHNW quickly taking the lead in the game. Most of the first half would be a defensive grind with the Red Ravens taking the lead at about the halfway point in the first half 15-14. The last 10 minutes would remain a back-and-forth battle, with Coffeyville looking to try to extend their lead; however, the half would end with Coffeyville only up five points, 34-29. 

The second half would get off to a slow start for both teams, with Coffeyville getting the scoring going, extending their lead out to nine points (38-29) about two minutes in. John Troolin would get the scoring going again for the Tigers, driving to the bucket. The Tigers would work Coffeyville's lead down to four points before the Red Ravens went on their own scoring run. This pattern would continue with Tech doing just enough to stay within reach of Coffeyville's lead as they worked their way to within one point (50-49) at the 10-minute mark. The Tigers would finally take the lead, 60-59, with less than seven minutes to go. The Red Ravens would quickly regain the lead with FHNW fighting to keep it a one-score game as both teams would continue to exchange buckets. Chase Harris would make a clutch three-pointer to put the Tigers within one point, 71-72. After a couple of made free throws by the Red Ravens, Tech would continue to play tough defense, which would translate into offensive opportunities for the Tigers. However, FHNW was unable to put the ball through the bucket as Coffeyville was able to extend their lead back out to five points with about 1:30 left in the game. With time ticking down, John Troolin would sink a layup to put them within three points, 74-77. After a quick timeout by the Tigers, the Red Ravens would get the ball inbounded while avoiding getting fouled by Tech immediately, taking eight seconds off the clock. Missed free throws by Coffeyville would keep the game within reach for the Tigers; however, they would ultimately come up short.

One thing that contributed to Tech coming up short would be their free throw shooting as they shot about 69% from the line. The Tigers would do much better than expected defending Coffeyville in the post as they had a clear height advantage; even so, the Red Ravens would still outscore the Tigers, 42-26 in the paint. FHNW would have four players in double figures, with two coming off the bench. 

Game vs. Hutchinson

It would be a slow start for the Tigers, as the Blue Dragons would go on an 11-2 run to start the game. Hutch would work their lead out 13 points, 21-8, just under the 12-minute mark. FHNW would go on a slow eight-point run, playing tough defense on the other end of the floor. Hutch would keep the lead just out of reach for the Tigers as they extended their lead back out to nine points (31-22) with a three-pointer, with four minutes left in the half. Terrance Johnson would answer with his own three-point shot before Tech called a timeout. The remainder of the half would remain back and forth as the Tigers were able to capitalize off of the Blue Dragon's turnovers, as they put the game within five points with a minute to go (31-36). Hutch would quickly call a timeout, after which they got to the free throw line, putting their lead back out to eight points to end the half leading FHNW, 39-31.

In the second half, the Blue Dragons would continue to test the Tigers with their ball movement, as Hutch's lead would remain relatively unchanged until about the 13-minute mark. Tech Northwest would then proceed to go on a 17-2 run with three consecutive shots from beyond the arc to put them ahead, 59-54, at the eight-minute mark. The Blue Dragons would remain in the game, as both teams exchanged buckets. Hutch would then take the lead again, 65-64, at the three-minute mark, as the Tigers and Blue Dragons would continue to exchange leads with excellent outside shooting from the Tigers. Tech Northwest would remain just ahead (75-72) with a quick steal from Idris Williams and a three-pointer from John Troolin. Hutch would then get to the free throw line, sinking both with 20 seconds left in the game. The Blue Dragons would be forced to foul the Tigers at this point as Idris Williams would step up to maintain their three-point lead. Then with 12 seconds left, Hutchinson would drive down the floor, where they would hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game, 77-77, at the end of regulation. 

In overtime, the Blue Dragons would strike first, taking a narrow lead with the Tigers remaining just behind as time would ultimately run out with Tech Northwest unable to make the shots they needed to win the game. 

Overall, Tech played an excellent game, as they refused to let Hutch's early lead deter them, competing until the end. The Tigers did a particularly good job of capitalizing off of turnovers while also winning the rebounding battle. FHNW had five players in double-figures, with Chase Harris scoring 24 points off of the bench, making 10 of 16 field goals. Marquintez Dixon also had a solid game, scoring an efficient 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block with 15 minutes of playing time. 

The Tigers will return to play on Tuesday, as they travel to Garden City to compete against the four and three Broncbusters.