Fort Hays State finally broke out of a shooting funk at home in a 76-34 win over Newman this past Tuesday (Nov. 24). The Tigers shot 22.8 percent and 32.8 percent from the field in their wins last weekend at home over St. Cloud State and Regis. The shooting effort was much better against Newman at 41.5 percent overall. The Tigers had also yet to shoot about 34 percent from 3-point range in any of their first four games until a 47.8 percent effort against Newman.Turnovers via swarming defense have been a key to success for FHSU as it forced all five of its opponents into 20 or more turnovers. The Tigers are forcing opponents into an average of 24.8 turnovers per game and they rank second nationally in turnover margin as they only commit an average of 10.4 per game.
Sterling picked up its first win of the season over Bethel College after starting the year 0-6. The Warriors and Tigers are meeting for the first time since the 1990-91 season.
The Tigers begin conference play next week with two strong opponents at home, Washburn and No. 1 ranked Emporia State. It will be the only time during the season FHSU meets WU and ESU.
