Mavericks Outlast Fort Hays, 80-77

Friday, December 5

Hays, Kan.

7:30 PM

Omaha

Fort Hays State

Three Games Ahead For Mavericks This Week - Omaha Athletics

Mavericks Outlast Fort Hays, 80-77

Dec 5, 2008 | General, Men's Basketball

By: Omaha Athletics

Box Score

HAYS, Kan. – The UNO men's basketball team won its first game in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, beating Fort Hays State 80-77 on Friday night. The win improves the Mavericks to 5-1 on the year and 1-1 in MIAA play.

After a slow start in a loss on Wednesday at Washburn, the Mavericks were determined to start well on Friday. Senior Michael Jenkins, who was held to just 6 points by the Ichabods, threw in 10 early points as the Mavs raced out to a 40-24 lead. Jenkins finished the half with 11 points while sophomore Mitch Albers and junior Matt Akins had 8 each.

The Mavs shot 61.5 percent from the floor in the first half, a stunning reversal from Wednesday's first half when they shot just 29 percent.

The Tigers made a strong push early in the second half, whittling UNO's lead to 9. The Mavs bounced back to increase their lead to double digits, but the Tigers once more put forth a strong push. Tim Peinter threw in a three-pointer with 25 seconds left to draw Fort Hays to within 3, but it was as close as the home team would get.

Jenkins led the way for UNO with a team season-high 27 points. Mitch Albers finished with 19, and Andrew Bridger had 14. Matt Akins had a team-best 8 rebounds.

Terry Jeffries was the high scorer for Fort Hays State with 18 while Tyrone Evans had 17.

The Mavericks return home to host York College on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.