MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State hit a flurry of 3-point field goals early on its way to 16 for the game in an 83-57 blowout over Fort Hays State. The No. 2 ranked Bearcats improved to 18-1 overall, 8-1 in the MIAA, and extended their home-court win streak to 28 games. FHSU is now 7-11 overall, 1-9 in the MIAA.
Northwest Missouri put the game away in the first half, hitting 10 3-point field goals on its way to a 28-point lead at halftime of 47-19. The Bearcats shot 60.7 percent from the field, including 52.6 percent beyond the 3-point line. The Bearcats limited the Tigers to a 1-of-10 effort beyond the 3-point line in the opening half.
FHSU outscored NWMSU 38-36 in the second half, but the first half damage was too much to overcome. The Tigers brought the Bearcat lead down to 21 by opening the second half on a 12-5 run, but that was as close as they could get after halftime. The Tigers shot 53.8 percent from the field and 60 percent beyond the 3-point line after the break.
Alvin Thompson led the Tigers with 12 points, scoring 10 after halftime. Jared Vitztum also reached double figures with 11 and a team-high seven rebounds.
All five Bearcat starters reached double figures in scoring led with 16 from both Diego Bernard and Luke Waters. Overall, they had six in double figures as Ryan Welty added 15 off the bench all on 3-point field goals.
The Tigers get ready to face Kansas Wesleyan in a non-conference game on Monday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Originally scheduled for Dec. 15, the game was postponed due to inclement weather. Printed tickets for the game dated Dec. 15, 2019 are still valid on Monday. Fans that no longer have their tickets from last month can call the FHSU Athletics office at (785) 628-4050 to have their tickets reprinted. Reissued tickets can be picked up in the athletics office, Cunningham 138, on Monday or can be left at will call prior to the game.