FHSU Sports Information Department
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State fell to Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals on Saturday night (Mar. 5) by a score of 69-51. The top-seeded and 13th-ranked Bearcats were too sound in all facets of the game, seizing control with about six minutes to go in the first half.
The game was a back-and-forth battle early in the first half, but with FHSU leading 17-15, Northwest Missouri State went on a 12-0 run to take control of a slowed down possession-style basketball game. Conner Crooker did the majority of the damage in the run for NWMSU, hitting three 3-point field goals. The Bearcats led by 10 at the half, 38-28.
The Tigers had several opportunities early in the second half to cut into the Bearcat lead, but could not capitalize by either turning the ball over or missing good shot opportunities. FHSU went without a field goal for the first 5:05 of the second half and hit just two field goals in the first 10 minutes of the half. NWMSU methodically pulled away with the Tiger offense struggling, eventually leading by 22 before the final margin of 18.
The Bearcats shot 50 percent from the field, hit 11 3-point field goals, and dished out 17 assists on their 26 field goals in the game. Point guard Justin Pitts facilitated the offense well with a near double-double of 20 points and nine assists. He hit four of Northwest Missouri’s 11 3-point field goals. Crooker finished with 15 points. The Bearcats displayed great ball security throughout the game, turning the ball over only six times with only one resulting in a steal for the Tigers.
Dom Samac led the Tigers with 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. Kenny Enoch added 10 points. The Bearcat defense suffocated the Tigers on the 3-point line, holding FHSU to just 23.5 percent shooting beyond the arc. FHSU finished at 36.7 percent overall for the game and shot only 28 percent from the field in the second half. Free-throws were a bright spot though, where the Tigers cashed in 11-of-12 attempts.
Fort Hays State will now see if it has done enough to get an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament next week. FHSU entered the week at No. 4 in the region. The tournament selection show is on Sunday night at 9:30 pm. Fans can watch the selection show live here .