Hays, Kan. - The SBU Bearcats lost a heart breaker to #15 Fort Hays State Tigers, 77-82 in Hays, Kansas on Wednesday night.  SBU was down one point with two seconds to go in the game, but Fort Hays was able to hit their free throws and seal the victory.  "I am very proud of them," head coach Jeff Guiot stated of his team after the game. "Tonight we showed some great growth as a team."

The Bearcats were lead by seniors Tomas Brock and Kurt Koenig.  Both players contributed 20 points a piece in the loss, and will continue to be a vital part of the Bearcats success. "We are going to be as good as our seniors are down the stretch," coach Guiot stated after the game.  Brock scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half, and hit multiple clutch free throws down the stretch to keep the Bearcats in the game.  "He plays with a lot of heart," coach Guiot commented about his senior guard.

Koenig was off to a hot start, posting 13 first half points, but ended the evening with 20 points off of six of nine shooting from the field, and three of four from beyond the arc.  Sophomore forward Stephen Cotten contributed 15 points, had 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. "Steve was strong on both ends of the floor," coach Guiot said.  "He continues to get better."

As a team, the Bearcats shot 43.9% from the field, 40.9% from beyond the arc, and 90.0% from the stripe.  SBU had 10 steals, and were able to outscore Fort Hays' bench 29-18.

SBU will head back home on Saturday February 19, 2011 to take on the Mavericks of Nebraska-Omaha.  Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. with a live television broadcast of the game to be aired on MIAA Network T.V.  Fans are encouraged to come out and wear white to help support our Bearcats.