By RANDY GONZALES

rgonzales@dailynews.net

Some of the Tigers were feeling ill, and the result was a close game in the first half.

But Fort Hays State University men's basketball coach Mark Johnson saw his bench come through with 40 points -- including 29 in the second half -- as the Tigers pulled away for a 76-46 win over Ottawa University Saturday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

"We were under the weather," Johnson said. "No excuses. First half, we were feeling sorry for ourselves -- no passion, no energy, no excitement.

"Second half, we turned it around," Johnson added.

Fort Hays (5-0) was tied at 20 with Ottawa when the Tigers scored the last eight points of the first half to lead 28-20 at the break.

The Tigers then went on a 29-9 run through the first 10 minutes of the second half to lead 57-29. Tiger reserves scored 18 points in that stretch, including eight from sophomore forward Devron Washington.

Washington finished with 14 points and nine rebounds. Johnson said Washington has the talent and can give the team a low-post presence, but he needs to improve his all-around game.

"We've got to keep him focused," Johnson said. "He's trying, getting better at that."

Senior guard Charles Robinson came off the bench to score 13 points. He and senior guard Tyrone Evans had to play most of the second half because senior point guard Terry Jeffries was out sick for most of the game.

Johnson said the difference between Robinson's play last year -- his first with the Tigers -- and this year can be summed up in one word.

"Confidence," Johnson said. "Any time you transfer to a new school, it takes time.

"Charles, it took him a whole year," Johnson added.

Jonson said junior forward Jonathan Blake, another newcomer who scored nine points Saturday, also gives the team a lift.

"You're seeing Jonathan Blake playing with more confidence," Johnson said. "He's playing great defense, rebounding the basketball."

Evans matched Washington with team honors, also scoring 14 points. Sophomore guard Corbin Kuntzsch added 12 points. Junior forward Tim Peintner, who was averaging a double-double for the Tigers, was held to two points and four rebounds while battling foul trouble.

Senior guard David Birch led Ottawa (3-4), which used the game as an exhibition, with 15 points.

Fort Hays will hit the road Tuesday against Newman University in Wichita. Game time is 6 p.m.