BY TRISTAN SASSE
After an impressive outing in their first conference game, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team was back at home to host in-state conference rival, the No. 19 Pittsburg State Gorillas on Saturday, December 2. A hard fought game by both teams ended in a 75-70 victory for the Tigers. With the win, FHSU snapped a three game losing streak against the Gorillas.
Game Recap
Both teams struggled early offensively. Each team started 2-for-7 from the field and the game was tied at 5 with under six minutes left in the opening quarter. The Gorillas pulled out to an 11-8 lead shortly after. The first quarter was back and forth and tied at 17 after one. Kacey Kennett led the Tigers with nine first quarter points. Madison Northcutt led the Gorillas with five points and four rebounds.
The Tigers set the tone early in the second quarter with the first six points. With five minutes left in the half, FHSU held a 29-22 advantage. Pitt State answered with a 10-2 run to take a one point lead. The Gorillas shifted momentum and went into the locker room with a 35-33 lead.
FHSU out-rebounded the Gorillas 22-14 in the first half, but had eight turnovers and gave up five three pointers. The Tigers shot 48.1% from the field, while holding the Gorillas to 41.9%
The second half was also full of lead changes and midway through the third quarter, the Tigers led by one. A pair of Pitt State free throws gave the Gorillas a 47-46 lead with 3:28 left in the quarter. Kennett continued strong shooting from beyond the arc and the Tigers had a 54-51 advantage after three quarters.
FHSU began the final quarter with the first four points to pull ahead 58-51. Moments later, the Tiger lead increased to nine. Two threes by the Gorillas brought PSU within three. FHSU answered with five straight points to extend the lead to eight.
With 1:40 left, the Tigers had a 70-65 advantage. FHSU maintained a five point lead with under a minute to play. The Gorillas answered with a three to come within two with 45 seconds to play. Taylor Rolfs made a free throw to give Fort Hays a 73-70 lead. After a pair of missed threes by Pittsburg State, FHSU retained possession with eight seconds left. Whitney Clampitt made a pair of free throws in the closing seconds to secure the 75-70 win.
By the Numbers
On the afternoon, the Tigers shot 45.6% from the floor, while Pittsburg State shot 41.4%. FHSU out-rebounded the Gorillas 37-32 and forced 15 turnovers.
Leading the Tigers was Kennett with 20 points (5-for-7 on threes) and Tatyana Legette with 19 points and five rebounds. Belle Barbieri led all players with 10 rebounds.
For the Gorillas, Mikaela Burgess finished with a game-high 24 points. Maya Williams rounded out those in double figures with 11 points.
Looking Ahead
FHSU (7-0 overall, 2-0 in MIAA) will travel to Topeka on Wednesday, December 6 to take on the Washburn Ichabods (6-1). Pittsburg State (6-2, 0-2) will look to rebound after two straight losses when they host Lindenwood (7-0) on Thursday, December 7.