HAYS, Kan -- Northeastern State could not overcome a slow start as Fort Hays State claimed the 66-57 victory in MIAA action inside Gross Memorial Coliseum here Saturday afternoon.

The RiverHawks fall to 12-12 overall and 7-11 in MIAA Conference play.  Fort Hays improves to 18-4 and 13-4.

NSU placed two players in double figures, with Rashad Perkins leading the way with 17 points, and Christian Cook posted his 20th game in double figures with 16 points.

The Tigers jumped out to a 10-point advantage in the game's opening five minutes and would lead by as many as 12 at 24-12 with five minutes to go in the open half.  NSU cut the deficit to single digits by closing the half on an 11-6 run to trail 30-23 at the break.

Tylor Arnold sparked the RiverHawks in the opening minutes of the second half with a trey and layup that cut the Tigers lead to two at 30-28.  However, the RiverHawks could not overcome foul trouble and solid free-throw shooting by the Tigers down the stretch.

Northeastern State went 18-49 from the field for 36 percent, while the Tigers were 18-45 for 40 percent.  The difference came at the free-throw line, with Fort Hays shooting 22-27 to just 12-16 for the RiverHawks.

NSU will look to continue its run to Kansas City next week to host Newman and Central Oklahoma at the NSU Event Center.