Free State’s boys basketball team faltered down the stretch in a 51-49 loss to Manhattan High on Friday night during the semifinals of the Hays City Shootout.

MHS outscored FSHS by a 24-11 margin in the final period en route to the narrow win. Manhattan will now play in the championship game, while Free State will compete in the third-place game. Both contests will take place on Saturday.

In a losing effort, Olin Yoder paced the Firebirds with 17 points. He knocked down five 3-pointers, including two triples in the first quarter and two more in the second period. DK Middleton was the only other Free State player to finish in double figures, as he added 11 points.

The Firebirds (1-1) led by a 26-20 margin at halftime before ultimately surrendering the lead in the fourth quarter.

The third-place game of the Hays City Shootout will begin at 3:15 p.m. Saturday at Hays High School.

Free State (49)

Mozae Downing 9, Ethan Lincoln 3, DK Middleton 11, Tate Fanshier 2, Andrew Piper 4, Alyus Wisdom 2, Olin Yoder 17, Jaelin Thompson 1.