Kansas City, Mo. – The men's basketball team played an old foe Tuesday afternoon, defeating former MIAA opponent Fort Hays State 74-71 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. The Bearcats held on late, improving to 5-1 as the Tigers fall to 3-2.
 
SBU's first basket was a three pointer from Quinn Nelson, something that would occur 5 more times throughout the game. Two more of Nelson's three pointers came in the 12-minute mark, helping SBU climb to a 7-point lead. Brady Smith sunk a layup, then Nelson added another three to put SBU up 22-10 midway through the first. The next bucket was also by Quinn Nelson, but just a two to build the lead to 14. The teams went back and forth until SBU took their largest lead at 16 with 1:39 left in the half. Heading into halftime, SBU led 39-27.
 
Godfrey Rolle nailed a three right out of the half, followed by a Joe Miller score to boost SBU back to a 15-point lead. SBU primarily maintained a double-digit lead until the 4:15 mark where FHSU began their comeback. With 2:33 to go and FHSU trailing by 4, Godfrey Rolle was able to make a couple free throws to provide some cushioning. Quinn Nelson hit another jumper, and Damian Prgomet sunk two free throws to put SBU up 10 with 57 seconds to go. The Tigers rallied in those few seconds to trail by just 3 with 8 seconds to go. Another couple of three pointers were launched by FHSU before the end of the game, but neither fell, creating a 74-71 SBU final.
 
Quinn Nelson had a career day, scoring 26 points, making 9-11 field goals, 6-8 three pointers, with 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Brady Smith was one rebound shy of a double-double again, scoring 17 points with 9 rebounds. Godfrey Rolle and Joe Miller both hit double digits as well, scoring 11 and 10 respectively.
 
SBU heads south on highway 13 for their next competition, taking on the Drury Panthers in their conference opener. Tip-off for that game is set for 7:30 PM on Tuesday, December 3.