There was no last-second magic Wednesday night as Fort Hays State knocked off Northwest Missouri State 59-58 in MIAA men’s basketball action.

After two one-point victories last week, the Bearcats came up on the short end Wednesday falling to 15-6 on the season and 8-4. The Tigers saw their winning streak extend to four as they improved to 14-6 overall and 8-4 in the MIAA.

After giving the Bearcats a 58-56 lead with 1:26 left in the game on a DeAngelo Hailey three-pointer, Fort Hays State answered with a trey of their own. Lance Russell drilled a three-pointer with 1:10, proving as the final dagger.

With three attempts in the final minute of the game all missing the mark, the Bearcats could not overcome an impressive night from the field for the home team. Although Northwest shot 46 percent from the field, Fort Hays State used a 56 percent effort to seal the narrow victory.

Fort Hays State also used a 12-2 run from the 7:40 mark to Russell’s three-pointer to erase a nine-point deficit and take a 56-55 lead.

After a long-range attempt and a free-throw fell off the mark the Bearcats would still have life with just 14 seconds left. A Bearcat timeout with five seconds left set up the final play as Bryston Williams’ elbow jumper missed off the side of the rim as time expired.

Northwest got a game-high 23 points from Hailey, who also added six rebounds in the loss.

Dwayne Brunson finished with 23 points and eight rebounds pacing the Tigers in the win.

The Bearcats close out their Kansas road swing Saturday at Washburn, who sit half a game behind Northwest. With the Ichabods falling Wednesday night as well, Northwest, Fort Hays and Northeastern State move into a second place tie. Action from Lee Arena in Topeka is set for 7 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —