FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
PITTSBURG, Kan. – After jumping out to an early lead, the No. 25 Fort Hays State women’s basketball team was unable to hold on against fourth-ranked Pittsburg State, falling 70-58. The Tigers dip to 6-2 on the year and 0-2 in conference play, while the Gorillas improve to an NCAA-best 9-0 and 2-0 in the league.
Fort Hays State led for much of the first half, using a 10-3 lead to build a six-point lead after a pair of Carly Heim free throws seven minutes into the game, 17-11. The Gorillas closed the quarter on a 10-2 run to lead 21-19 at the end of the first quarter.
The Tigers managed just seven points on two field goals in the second quarter, tied for their fewest points in a quarter all-time (twice vs Winona State, 3/11/16). The home team scored 10-straight to open the period to build a 12-point lead before leading by 10 at the break, 36-26.
Fort Hays State battled back out of the locker room, turning a 14-point deficit into a one-possession game when Nikola Kacperska opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer. The Tigers managed a 16-4 run over the last four-and-a-half minutes of the third quarter and that fourth quarter bucket behind 5-of-9 shooting. But the Gorilla offense came alive just as shooting went cold for FHSU, going on an 18-4 run in the final frame while limiting the Tigers to 4-of-20 shooting in the quarter.
Kacperska led the Tigers after tying her career-high with 19 points, pouring in a personal-best five three-pointers. Emma Stroyan and Kacey Kennett also reached double-digits with 10 points each while Tatyana Legette grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. Shelby Lopez was one of five Gorillas with double-digit points on the day, pacing the squad with 16 points.
The Tigers will return home in search of their first MIAA win Wednesday evening (Dec. 7) against Washburn. First tip is slated for 5:30 p.m.