By The Hays Daily News

BOLIVAR, Mo. - The Fort Hays State University men's basketball team has been successful in close games throughout the year. However, the Tigers haven't been able to win a close contest against Southwest Baptist (Mo.) University. For the second time this year, Fort Hays lost by five points to the Bearcats.

On Jan. 7, FHSU lost 68-63 in Hays. On Thursday, the Tigers lost 66-61 at the Meyer Sports Center. It's FHSU's only two losses within six points.

Fort Hays, ranked No. 10 in the first South Central Regional rankings released Wednesday, dropped to 19-7, 10-7 MIAA. Southwest Baptist improved to 17-10, 10-8 MIAA. SBU swept the Tigers for the first time since 2008-09.

Fort Hays led 30-27 at halftime and held a 44-43 lead with 10:10 remaining in the game. The contest was tied six times and had eight lead changes.

Senior Karron McKenzie collected a team-high 22 points and senior Moses Dayee had 20 points on six 3-pointers. FHSU shot 39 percent from the field, while Southwest Baptist shot 37 percent.

The Bearcats outrebounded FHSU 40-33 and held a 13-7 edge on the offensive glass. The rebounds helped SBU finish 22-of-59 from the field, while Fort Hays was 18-of-46. Junior Daveion Zellner collected 12 points and 12 rebounds, while senior Robson Memnon has 13 points and 13 rebounds. Senior Ryan Doughtery had a team-high 16 points and two rebounds. Fort Hays will play at Missouri Southern State University on Saturday in Joplin, Mo.