MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Fort Hays State University Tigers used a smothering defensive effort to score a 58-39 victory over the Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team in Bearcat Arena.

Northwest was held under 40 points for the first time since the 1959-60 season when the Bearcats scored a 39-38 win over Southeast Missouri State.

Fort Hays State improved to 9-3 overall and 1-2 in MIAA play. Northwest sank to 3-9 overall and 1-2 in league action.

Northwest did not allow FHSU to make a field goal in the final 7:27 of the second half, but could not overcome its own shooting woes. Northwest shot 27.5% from the field on 14-of-51 shooting. Northwest made only 3-of-18 from three-point land (16.7%). FHSU shot 37.8% from the floor on 17-of-45 shooting. FHSU made 5-of-14 shots from three-point land. The Tigers made 19-of-23 at the free throw line, while the Bearcats made 8-of-11 at the charity stripe.

The Tigers made only 5-of-21 field goals in the second half, but made a living at the foul line by making 16-of-19 free throws in the final 20 minutes. Northwest made seven field goals in the first half and seven in the second half. Northwest's 3-point shooting in the second half resulted in one make on 11 attempts. 

Emorie Knox came off the bench for the first time as a Bearcat and scored a team-high 10 points. Jack Ratigan tallied eight points and a team-best nine rebounds. Trey Moala contributed seven boards as a substitute. 

Marcus Glock was held in check on 1-of-3 shooting. Glock buried one of two three-point shots. Glock came into the contest having drained 15 of his last 20 three-point shots.

Northwest will return to action at home Saturday against Nebraska-Kearney. Tip has been moved up to 1 p.m. with an expected winter storm to hit the Maryville area later Saturday. The Bearcat women's game against the Lopers will tip at 11 a.m.