Box score | Season stats

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The SBU Bearcats fell to the #12 Fort Hays State Tigers 87-71. SBU led 39-32 in the early stages of the second half, before the Tigers rallied, using 83% second half shooting to pull away for the victory. Fort Hays outscored SBU 57-38 in the second half.

"They outlasted us in every position," said head coach Jeff Guiot. "We didn't shoot the ball very well, but our guys gave a winning effort. Right now, that's what we're focusing on - energy and effort. When you play three freshmen in this conference, at some point, they have to learn. Hopefully by the MIAA Tournament, our freshmen will play like sophomores. We've got to stay positive and continue with energy and effort."

SBU (19-8, 10-7 MIAA) was led by Tomas Brock with 21 points while Tristan Steele had 18. Kurt Koenig had 14 points and eight rebounds. "Tomas is just a warrior," Guiot added. "He's the heart and soul of our team, but he's battling injuries also."

Corbin Kuntzsch led Fort Hays (20-4, 14-3 MIAA) with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Ken Bowman had 17 for the Tigers.

After SBU led 33-30 at halftime, and then opened up the 39-32 second half edge, the Tigers scorched the nets with 20 of 24 shooting (83%). The game was still in doubt with ten minutes to go, with Fort Hays on top 58-53, but the Tigers went on a 25-11 streak over a seven minute stretch to put the game away.

SBU continues a stretch of three games in six days on Saturday, when they visit Nebraska-Omaha. Tipoff against the Mavericks is 3:30 p.m. from Omaha.