BY TRISTAN SASSE
For the third straight season, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team begins the season 4-0. On Saturday, the Tigers defeated the Newman University Jets 76-63. Newman has lost consecutive games after starting the season 4-0.
Game Recap
After shooting over 60% in the first quarter last night against UC-Colorado Springs and setting a MIAA record with 36 first quarter points, the Tigers struggled to find the bottom of the net on Saturday. In the opening quarter, FHSU shot 22.2%, but held Newman to 18.2%, and led 13-9 after one. Fort Hays’ defense also forced seven first quarter turnovers.
Early in the second quarter, FHSU stretched its lead to 25-16. The Tigers led by as many as nine in the quarter, and went into halftime ahead 38-34.
Newman shot 10-of-16 in the second quarter after beginning the game 2-for-11. Both teams scored 25 points in the second quarter.
Tatyana Legette had 10 first half points, while Taylor Rolfs added nine for FHSU. Leading the Jets was Haley Albers, contributing with eight points and six rebounds.
Both teams traded buckets in the third quarter and the Jets pulled within two at 40-38. The Tigers were able to capitalize off high-percentage shot selection in the third, and eventually held a 60-48 lead heading into the final quarter. Legette had 15 points and 11 rebounds after three quarters.
FHSU maintained a steady lead throughout the final quarter, and went on to win 76-63.
By the Numbers
For the Tigers, Legette had 17 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. Rolfs contributed with 13 points, while Kacey Kennett added 12 and Whitney Clampitt had 10.
FHSU led by as many as 16 on the afternoon, had 36 points in the paint, and forced 17 turnovers. Fort Hays finished with a total of five turnovers.
For the Jets, Albers led all scorers with 19 points and nine rebounds. Hannah Alexander finished with 11 points and Abbey George added 10.
Overall, the Tigers shot 42.4% from the field, while Newman finished at 39.6%.
Looking Ahead
FHSU (4-0) will host the Sterling College Warriors (3-2) on Saturday, November 25. Newman (4-2) will host the Emporia State Hornets (2-1) on Monday, November 20.
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