By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The 19th-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team returns to Gross Memorial Coliseum Wednesday (Dec. 11) when the Tigers (6-2, 0-2 MIAA) play host to Bethany College. First tip between the Tigers and Swedes (8-5, 5-3 KCAC) is set for 6 p.m.
The Tigers are 4-0 at home so far this season, extending an impressive home streak in non-conference play. Fort Hays State has not lost a regular season non-conference game inside Gross Memorial Coliseum since 2008, winning the last 56 such contests. Head coach Tony Hobson is 81-5 in regular season non-conference games, including a 58-2 mark at home. Overall the Tigers have won their last 40 non-conference regular season games and 73 of their last 74.
The Tigers are 19-3 all-time against the Swedes, including a 15-3 mark in Hays. The Tigers have won all five meetings with Bethany under Hobson.
This is the third year in a row the Tigers and Swedes have faced off. Lanie Page averaged 13.5 points in the two previous meetings, while Whitney Randall scored an average of 10.0 points per contest.
Fort Hays State is making the most of each possession this season, turning the ball over just 9.9 times per game. The Tigers are the only team in the country to turn the ball over less than 10 times per night. As a result, Fort Hays State also leads Division II with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.80.
The Swedes enter Wednesday’s contest 8-5 on the year, including a 5-3 record in KCAC play. Bethany is 7-0 at home and 1-5 outside of Lindsborg, including a 1-3 mark in true road games. Autumn Garrett leads the team with 9.5 points per game, with Lauren Welsch (9.3 ppg) and Hannah Ferguson (9.1 ppg) close behind. Welsch leads the way with a team-high 5.5 rebounds per night and 2.6 assists per contest. Bethany ranks 11th in NAIA DII in total assists.