The SBU Bearcats defeated the Fort Hays State Tigers, 69-59.

The game was tied, 52-52, with 5:30 to play, but the Bearcats went on a 17-7 run, hitting a string of clutch free throws, to pick up their first conference win of the season.

SBU's seniors came up big. Jason Jemison led Bearcat scoring with 19. Jared Young added 16, including some big free throws in the key stretch. And Jesus Lopez grabbed 10 rebounds.

Bearcat defense, which had been allowing 77 points per game, only allowed 59 Tiger points tonight. SBU also beat Fort Hays on the boards, 40-36.

After the game, head coach Jeff Guiot was happy with the way the Bearcats came back from a tough part of their schedule. "We started out 0-3 in the conference, against three really good teams. We're young, but came out here and responded. I'm very proud of our players. As long as we keep fighting - and do what they know they can do - we're going to be alright. From here on out - we're going to take the games one at a time, and try our best to crawl back in this thing."

The Bearcats will be back in action on Tuesday, January 9, as they host Pittsburg State. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:45.

Box Score