KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Southern Nazarene played the preseason No. 3 team in the nation down to the final seconds, but ultimately came up just short in a 45-43 defensive struggle with Fort Hays State.

Both teams were coming off losses to tough teams on Saturday and both were hungry to pick up their first win of the season. The defenses fought hard as neither side shot over 29% in the game, but Fort Hays (1-1, 0-0 MIAA) was able to just get the better of the Crimson Storm (0-2, 0-0 GAC).

It was a tight game throughout, but the Tigers were able to build upon a 5 point halftime lead and grow their advantage to 35-24 in the third quarter. The teams combined for just 15 points in the third quarter as Fort Hays took a 38-30 lead into the fourth quarter.

Fort Hays' lead remained at eight points with just two minutes left, but SNU stormed back with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to just 44-43 with 17 seconds left. After the Tigers split their free throws, Southern Nazarene was left with one last chance to tie or win the game. SNU's final attempt at the buzzer would not fall, allowing Hays to sneak away with the low-scoring 45-43 win.

The teams were nearly identical statistically. The Storm shot 28.8%, while Fort Hays was just behind at 27.6%. The Tigers knocked down 6 shots from deep, while SNU connected on 3 shots from the outside. Southern Nazarene slightly won the turnover battle by forcing 16 FHSU turnovers, while committing 14 of their own. The biggest difference came on the boards as the Tigers outrebounded SNU 50 to 37. Of those 50 rebounds, 18 came on the offensive end.

For the second straight day, SNU was led offensively by Georgia Adams. She poured in a game-high 12 points while knocking down a pair of three-balls along the way.

Cassandra Awatt and Peyton Jones scored 8 and 7, respectively. Five of Jones' seven points came during SNU's final 7-0 burst late in the fourth quarter.

Hannah Giddey filled up the stat sheet. She scored 6 points, hauled in 6 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and swatted 4 shots.

Head Coach Trent May had this to say following a pair of tough matchups in Kansas City:

"Tough one again today, but with the opportunity to send it to overtime or win; that's what you want as a coach at the end of the game. Definitely a hard fought game. I felt, as a coach, we left some meat on the bone and didn't eat what was presented to us. We gave up too many offensive boards and that will always be a toughness issue along with a battle of the will. There are lots of good aspects and areas to improve from this weekend. Reference points are important to learn from and now we have some. We have a special group and we will get to where we need and want to be."

After two tough matchups, SNU will return home next Friday for an exhibition contest with Oklahoma Panhandle State. The Storm's next regular season game will also be at home as SNU hosts Arkansas Fort-Smith on Wednesday, November 16. Tipoff with Oklahoma Panhandle State is set for 5:30 p.m. on November 11.