No. 20 Hastings jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first eight minutes of the game and maintained the advantage the rest of the game as they defeated Doane, 99-71, on Wednesday evening in Hastings. Doane kept the game close in the opening minutes as Tyler Cyboron scored five of the first eight points and tied the game at 8-all on a three-point basket and a lay-up. Hastings responded with a 16-5 run over the next three minutes of play to open up an 11-point lead.
The Broncos opened up a 20-point lead with 6:35 remaining but the Tigers had an answer. Elliott Mencl hit a pair of three-point baskets and two free throws while Cyboron added a three-point basket as well to cut the lead to 10. Hastings, however, came right back with a 9-0 run to end the half and take a 58-39 lead into the break.
Doane was able to chip at the lead, cutting it to 15 points on two occasions early in the second half but a 28-10 run over eight minutes extended the lead to 33 points.
The Tigers were led by Cyboron's 22 points. He was 10-of-10 from the free throw line. Mencl added 13 points off the bench, going 3-of-3 from behind the arc. Jens Scholl and Cyboron each posted a game-high six rebounds.
Jeremiah Slough led Hastings with 26 points and five assists as he was 10-of-13 from the field and 6-of-8 from behind the arc. Derek Fletcher added 20 points and four assists.