JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Lincoln men's basketball team had one of its coldest shooting nights of the season on Thursday (Feb. 15) in a 60-41 loss to Fort Hays State, the No. 18 team in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II poll.

Both teams got off to a slow start, with LU holding a 4-1 lead through the first seven minutes of the game. FHSU started to get its offense going midway through the period, using a 17-0 run take control of the contest. Lincoln (13-10, 8-9 MIAA) fought back, cutting the score to 26-17 at halftime, but Fort Hays State (19-5, 14-4 MIAA) held LU to 24 points in the second half to secure the win.

The Blue Tigers were held to .261 shooting overall and just one successful three-pointer in 14 tries. Lincoln held a 33-30 advantage in rebounding and allowed Fort Hays State to shoot just .316 from downtown, but LU ended up turning the ball over 12 times while taking it away on just seven occasions.

Elijah Farr had a double-double, leading the Blue Tigers with 13 points and 10 rebounds while dishing an assist and blocking a shot. Franck Yetna, who had seven boards and a steal, and Tyson Robinson each scored six points, and Caleb Wright finished with four points and a pair of rebounds. Jose Roberto Tanchyn also scored four points and secured seven rebounds to go with a block.

DJ Richardson, who had an assist and a steal, ended the evening with two points and three rebounds. Jamar Madge, Jr. also chipped in two points, as did Clay Butler and Trey Boston. Sam Rautins grabbed a rebound while Arash Yaqubi and Tyvin Garrison also represented LU on Thursday night.

Lincoln remains at home to host Nebraska Kearney on Saturday (Feb. 17) at 3:00 p.m. CST.