Men's Basketball Sweep Cowley

Fort Hays Tech Northwest Men's Basketball won over Cowley Community College on Sunday, 89–82.

The game opened with a physical defensive tone, as both teams remained locked in a tight battle for much of the first half, with Tech maintaining a narrow one-point lead, 30–29, with just under seven minutes in the half. After shooting six straight free throws, Cowley quickly tied the game, 40–40, with 2:30 remaining before the final media timeout. However, Marquintez Dixon and Da'King Smith would score a total of nine straight points to extend Tech's advantage, 49-40, going into halftime.

Cowley opened the second half with a steal and fast-break dunk, but the Tigers quickly settled in, extending their lead to 60–44 at the thirteen-and-a-half-minute mark. Cowley continued to battle, trimming the lead to six and again with another seven-point burst to stay within striking distance late, with Tech holding on to a seven-point lead, 81–74, with just under four minutes to play.

Freshman Bonfas Loria re-entered the game and delivered a key boost, knocking down free throws on back-to-back possessions to steady the momentum. However, Cowley continued to push, cutting the margin to 87–78 with 1:41 remaining and within six with 1:15 to go. Despite missing opportunities to capture the game earlier at the foul line, Tech's defense held firm, sealing the 89–82 victory and securing the program's first-ever season sweep of Cowley.

Looking at the stats, Marquintez Dixon led the way among all scorers, with a quiet 32 points, tying his career high, as Cowley struggled to contain his mid-range fadeaway. Riccardo Marzetti would score 15 and Da'King Smith 14 coming off the bench, while Bonfas Loria added 12, going 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. 

A key difference in the game came on the glass, with Tech securing nearly as many offensive boards as defensive, converting those extra possessions into crucial second-chance points. To add on, Cowley's aggressive defense led to frequent foul trouble, disrupting their rhythm and forcing lineup adjustments throughout the game.

Men's Basketball returns to action Wednesday against Dodge City Community College, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.