Men's Basketball Win Over Pratt

Fort Hays Tech Northwest Men's Basketball won over Pratt Community College on Wednesday, dominating the Beavers, 72–56.

The Tigers jumped out to an early 13–5 lead to start the game, prompting the Beavers to call a timeout six minutes into the contest. After some back-and-forth, Tech would proceed to work their lead out to 10 points with just under 10 minutes left in the half. With about five and a half minutes remaining, the Tigers would go on a 10–0 scoring run before the Beavers ended their scoring drought with three minutes left in the half. The Beavers followed with a quick 6–1 run before a putback dunk from Marquentez Dixon halted their momentum with 1:54 left in the half. Tech guard Kaleel Kelly went down with an injury late in the half, but the Tigers still closed the period strong, taking a 43–25 lead into halftime while out-rebounding Pratt 28–12.

Tech opened the second half with another surge, going on an 8–2 run to push the lead to 52–27 and force a Pratt timeout with 15 minutes remaining. Around the 11-minute mark, Tech suffered another injury as guard Jasiah Shields exited the game after a strong performance, finishing with 9 points and 5 rebounds. Pratt chipped away late, cutting the deficit to within 20 points with around 4 minutes to go, eventually trimming their deficit down to 13 points. Tech, however, would retain control down the stretch, securing the 72–56 win.

Statistically, Tech dominated the glass, outrebounding Pratt 51–30 and pulling down 17 offensive rebounds, which led to 13 second-chance points. The Tigers also attempted 31 free throws compared to Pratt's 15, though they shot a season-low 48.4 percent from the line.

Three Tigers finished in double figures, led by Da'King Smith with 19 points. Marquintez Dixon recorded a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double, Kuet Gatwech added 12 points off the bench, and Matija Otasevic grabbed 13 rebounds.

Men's Basketball will return to action on Wednesday, as they travel down to compete against Garden City Community College.