By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Fort Hays State came up short in its attempt to sweep a two-game road trip in Oklahoma, falling 72-62 at Northeastern State on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 23). The Tigers moved to 16-10 overall, 10-7 in the MIAA, while the RiverHawks improved to 13-13 overall and 7-10 in the MIAA. The Tigers remained in fourth place in the MIAA standings.
Fort Hays State was in control much of the first half, leading from the first bucket of the game until NSU tied the game at 15-15. FHSU went on a 17-6 run from that point to build an 11-point lead, but NSU closed the first half on a 7-0 run to trim the lead down to four at 32-28.
FHSU held the advantage in the second half for the first six and a half minutes until Northeastern State rallied to take its first lead of the game, 45-44, with a 9-0 run. The game went back-and-forth until the RiverHawks put the game away with a 14-0 run from the 7:12 to 3:16 marks of the second half to build a 14-point lead. The final margin settled at 10 by the end of the game.
Brady Werth nearly produced a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds. He also recorded all three blocked shots for FHSU. Nyjee Wright had 12 points and a team-high six assists, while Devin Davis added 10 points.
Four RiverHawks reached double figures in scoring, led by Caleb Smith with 19. Bradley George and Trent Cantrell each had 12, while Josh Ihek added 10. George dished out seven assists for NSU.
Fort Hays State returns to action on Thursday night (Feb. 28) at home against Missouri Southern. Game time is set for 7:30 pm at Gross Memorial Coliseum.