HAYS, Kan. - The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with the No. 2-ranked Fort Hays State University at Gross Coliseum, but the Tigers hung on for a 63-60 triumph.

Northwest trailed by 13 points on two occasions in the game, but rallied to even the game at 54-54 late in the fourth quarter. Northwest had a pair of chances to take the lead or tie in the final :30. Molly Hartnett had a three-pointer to tie in the final seconds, but it missed and the Tigers claimed the home court win.

Hartnett scored a team-high 14 points and dished out three assists. 

Freshman Kelsey Fields tallied a career-high 11 rebounds and scored eight points off the bench. Jillian Fleming also contributed with 13 points, including a trio of three-pointers.

Northwest knocked in 10 three-pointers in the contest. Fort Hays State made only one of four from three-point range.

The Tigers made 16-of-21 at the free throw line, while Northwest was limited to only 6-of-8 from the charity stripe.

Northwest won the rebounding battle, 31-29.

The Bearcats return to action Saturday at home against the No. 16-ranked Nebraska-Kearney Lopers. Tip is set for 3:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena.