MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Fort Hays State Tigers prevailed with a 66-50 victory over the Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball squad Saturday at Bearcat Arena.

The Tigers improved to 13-4 overall and 5-3 in MIAA play. Northwest fell to 9-10 overall and 2-6 in league action. Northwest scored 32 points in the paint, but Fort Hays State maintained control with 39 first-half points to secure the win.

The game commenced with Fort Hays State establishing control early, leading Northwest by as many as 23 points in the first half. The Bearcats struggled to find rhythm, going 6-for-23 from the field and converting only one of nine attempts from beyond the arc. Despite a brief spark from Royce Williams, who contributed with a layup following a steal at 14:32, the home team was unable to close the gap significantly. Fort Hays St.'s efficient 17-for-27 shooting, including 16 points in the paint, proved too much for the Bearcats in the initial half.

Northwest Missouri State surged in the second half with a dominant inside game, scoring 24 points in the paint. Trey Moala contributed significantly with multiple layups, while Aiden Gair and Williams connected on key 3-pointers. Despite a strong shooting effort from Fort Hays State, the home team's defensive prowess, highlighted by five blocks, helped them maintain momentum. Northwest Missouri State outscored Fort Hays State 34-27 in the half, narrowing the deficit to 66-50 by the end of the frame.

Williams scored 10 points, collected six rebounds, and recorded five assists while also contributing three steals. Robert Garcia added 10 points and grabbed three rebounds, maintaining an efficient shooting performance by converting 5 of 11 field goals. Jack Ratigan posted three blocks and secured six rebounds, making a significant defensive impact. Mikhail Abdul-Hamid finished with eight points, including one 3-pointer, and added one block.

In their next game, the Bearcats will face Washburn Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Topeka, Kan.