BY TRISTAN SASSE
On Tuesday, February 20, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team escaped Nebraska, Kearney with a 69-67 victory. The Tigers held on despite shooting 1-of-19 from three-point range.The game also featured 14 lead changes and 7 ties. With the win, FHSU split the season series with UNK after the Lopers came away with a 78-64 victory last month. The Tigers also moved into sole possession of third place in the MIAA standings.
The matchup was back-and-forth throughout. UNK took a 21-16 lead after the first quarter, but FHSU only allowed eight second quarter points and went into halftime with a 35-29 advantage. The Lopers dominated the third quarter, outscoring FHSU 17-7. Nebraska-Kearney entered the final quarter with a 46-42 lead, but a 27-point fourth quarter guided the Tigers to a 69-67 win.
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Fort Hays shot 43.5% on the night and held the Lopers to 37.7%. The Tigers also won the rebounding battle with a 42-35 edge. Additionally, both teams finished with 11 assists, but FHSU forced nine turnovers.
Tatyana Legette led the Tigers with a game-high 22 points and seven rebounds. Emma Stroyan added 14 points and Carly Heim finished with 13 points. Belle Barbieri added nine rebounds, while Kacey Kennett finished with eight rebounds. For the Lopers, McKenzie Brown led UNK with 18 points and five rebounds, while Michaela Barry added 17 points and five rebounds.
Looking ahead, FHSU (22-5, 13-5) will close out the regular season on Thursday against Southwest Baptist (15-11, 7-10) from Gross Memorial Coliseum. Meanwhile, UNK (20-6, 12-6) will host Southwest Baptist (15-11, 7-10) on Friday.