Hays lost its first game to the hands of Great Bend and are now 7-1 on the season.
The Indians trailed almost all game but tied the game at 40 with 1:30 left to play, before Great Bend made 8 of 10 free throws to win 48-40.
Hays was outrebounded 48 to 34 by the Panthers in the game.
Sophomore Brady Werth was a monster in the game leading the team in scoring with 17 points, rebounding with 12 and blocks with 8.
The Indians will attempt to rebound in its home game against Garden City on Friday, Jan. 11.
13kgriffin@usd489.com