FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – Just one game back of fourth place in the MIAA standings, the Fort Hays State women’s basketball team looks to keep pace in the league Saturday (Jan. 28) when Lindenwood comes to town. First tip is set for 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, where the Tigers have not lost since the end of the 2014-15 season.
The Tigers are 15-4 on the year and 6-4 in league play, right in the mix for a bye in the first round of the MIAA Tournament. Fourth through eighth place in the standings are separated by just one win, so every game could make a big swing in the rankings. The Lady Lions are 7-11 overall, playing to a 3-8 record in the MIAA. Lindenwood is 2-8 in its last 10 games, winning just one road game in that stretch.
The Tigers are 5-0 all-time against the Lady Lions, with two of the victories coming in Hays. Four of the five winning margins were in double figures. Fort Hays State swept the season series last year, winning by 18 points at home and six on the road.
Fort Hays State ranks among the national leaders in a number of categories this year, including ranking sixth in Division II with 5.6 blocks per game. The Tigers are winning each game by an average of 20.7 points per contest, the eighth-best scoring margin in the country. They have controlled the ball very well, giving up just 12.4 turnovers per game to rank seventh in the country.
Two Tigers average in double figures in scoring (Jill Faxon 11.5, Kacey Kennett 10.2) with Tatyana Legette just outside at 9.9 points per night. Legette ranks sixth in the MIAA with a team-best 7.7 rebounds each night, while playing just 18 minutes per game.
After leading scorer and rebounder Kallie Bildner went down, Gabby Walker has stepped up to lead the team with 11.1 points and 5.2 boards per game. Three other Lady Lions average over eight points per contest. Turnovers have been Lindenwood’s Achilles heel, making over 20 miscues per game.