JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Lincoln men's basketball team battled to the end, but Fort Hays State ended up prevailing with a 66-53 win in Jason Gym on Monday (Jan. 2).

Artese Stapleton led the Blue Tigers with 15 points and collected seven rebounds to go with a steal. Kevin Kone added 14 points, eight boards and a steal while Sai Witt tallied 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

Lincoln (7-3, 3-3 MIAA) was held to .273 shooting in the first half, but came back in the second half to shoot .476 from the field. After trailing, 38-23, at halftime, the Blue Tigers out-scored Fort Hays State (10-3, 5-2 MIAA), 30-28, over the game's final 20 minutes, including cutting the deficit down to 11 on three occasions. LU held a big advantage on the glass, grabbing 38 rebounds compared to 22 for FHSU, but forced just six turnovers. Fort Hays State, meanwhile, scored 19 points on turnovers it created.

Sam Rautins added six points and Jamar Madge, Jr. scored five while grabbing two rebounds. Arash Yaqubi had a steal, Tyvin Garrison collected a rebound and Franck Yetna ended the day with three boards, a block and an assist. DJ Richardson grabbed two rebounds, and Emmette Page rounded out LU with two points, two boards and a steal.

Lincoln will continue its season on Thursday (Jan. 5) with its first road game of 2023, as the Blue Tigers travel to Emporia, Kan. to take on Emporia State at 7:30 p.m. CST.