HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State outlasted the RiverHawks 69-65 in a game that saw 12 ties and 11 lead changes on Thursday evening. 
 
The loss marks the fifth time this season that NSU has lost a game within two possessions.
 
Caleb Smith led the RiverHawks with 17 points for his seventh consecutive double-figure game.  Tanner Mouse was a point back and two rebounds short of a double-double.  Trent Cantrell added 14 and Bradley George had six points and six assists.
 
A late NSU turnover with the game tied at 64 led to the eventual tilt toward Fort Hays where they took the lead for the final time on a dunk.  The Tigers would ice the game at the free throw line for their 13th straight win at home.   Fort Hays State finished the final 70 seconds on an 8-1 run. 
 
Northeastern State had the slightly better hand from the field going 46.9-percent (23-49) and out-rebounded the Tigers by two with 36.  Fort Hays State shot 41.1-percent (23-56) but had five extra free throws made with 16. 
 
FHSU's Marcus Cooper led all players with 22 points and accounted for all their scoring in the final 70 seconds, including the steal that led the go-ahead dunk.  
 
Thursday's loss will drop the RiverHawks to 6-8 and 0-5 in the MIAA, Fort Hays State will improve to 10-4 and 4-1 in the MIAA.
 
TIP-INS
Fifth time this season NSU has shot better than its opponent in a loss … tenth game that the RiverHawks has out-rebounded a team and it is the third consecutive game … in his first significant playing minutes of the season Gordon Hill had seven rebounds … Josh Ihek had a season high three blocks and matched his season high with 18 minutes played.
 
COMING UP
Northeastern State will make its lone visit to Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tip-off.