HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State hit a buzzer-beating jumper to edge the Lincoln men's basketball team, 59-57, on Thursday night (Feb. 9).

The Blue Tigers took a 43-41 lead on a three-pointer by Franck Yetna with 10:49 to play in the game, but FHSU used an old-fashioned three-point play to begin an 11-4 run, putting Fort Hays State ahead, 52-47, with seven minutes remaining in regulation. Back-to-back buckets by Kevin Kone and Tyson Robinson pulled the Blue Tigers to within one, and a pair of free throws by Emmette Page later tied the score at 55 with 1:25 remaining.

Fort Hays State (16-8, 11-7 MIAA) broke the tie with a jumper, and both teams missed shots before Artese Stapleton connected on a jumper to knot the score once again with eight seconds left on the clock. In the final second, however, FHSU managed to get off a buzzer-beating shot, and the basket was good, delivering Lincoln (15-6, 11-6 MIAA) its first loss of February.

Stapleton had a double-double, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds to go with an assist and two steals. Sai Witt and DJ Richardson each scored 10 points, with Witt also providing seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. Richardson, meanwhile, collected four rebounds and notched a steal.

Kone had eight points and six boards, and Yetna and Robinson each scored four points, with Yetna additionally pulling down five rebounds and blocking a shot. Page and Sam Rautins each grabbed two rebounds and Jamar Madge, Jr. finished with one. Caleb Wright also represented LU on the court.

Lincoln visits Kearney, Neb. on Saturday (Feb. 11) to play Nebraska Kearney at 4:00 p.m. CST.