BY TRISTAN SASSE
As MIAA action heats up, both FHSU basketball squads were in action on Saturday from Bolivar, Missouri against the Southwest Baptist Bearcats. Both schools seemed to be evenly matched as each game went down to the wire. When it was all said and done, the Tigers split the contests with the Bearcats.
Women’s Summary
To start the afternoon, the FHSU women’s team improved to 12-3 on the season after defeating Southwest Baptist 62-61 in a close game throughout. The Tigers improved to 3-3 in the MIAA, while the Bearcats fell to 0-5.
The game was back-and-forth in its entirety, but a late lay-in by Emma Stroyan sealed the victory for FHSU. In the early going, Fort Hays set the tone. The Tigers took a 20-9 lead in the first quarter, but 11 was their largest lead. By halftime, the Bearcats pulled within two, at 34-32.
Neither team was able to create a sizable lead in the second half and going into the final quarter, FHSU trailed 49-48. The Tigers had 22 points in the paint to help them come away with the 62-61 win, despite finishing with 18 turnovers.
Overall, Fort Hays shot 38% for the game, while SBU finished just over 35%. For the Tigers, Tatyana Legette finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Kacey Kennett had 12 points and four rebounds. Additionally, Carly Heim added 10 points and seven rebounds, Taylor Rolfs had 10 points, and newcomer Lanie Page had eight points and six assists.
For the Bearcats, Caylee Richardson had a game-high 19 points and 12 rebounds. Morgan Henderson and Ray’Shionne Smith had 11 points each.
Looking ahead, the Tigers will host the UNK Lopers (11-3) next Saturday. Both teams were defeated by No. 11 Central Missouri earlier this week.
Men’s Summary
The FHSU men’s basketball team fell in overtime to Southwest Baptist following the women’s game. After the defeat, the Tigers are 10-5 on the season, with three of their losses occurring in overtime. After losing two straight, Fort Hays is now 3-3 in the MIAA.
The Tigers had 25 bench points but shot just over 35% before falling to the Bearcats 73-68 in overtime. During the first half, FHSU had an 11-0 run which gave them a six-point lead. Fort Hays would end up going into halftime with a 26-23 advantage.
In the final 16 minutes of the second half, neither team was able to pull ahead by more than four. In the closing seconds of regulation, Hadley Gillum buried a three-pointer that ultimately sent the game to overtime. In overtime, the Bearcats went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free throw line to secure the victory.
For the second straight game, FHSU was held well below their season average, with 10 assists. The Tigers also had 12 turnovers. For Fort Hays, Gillum finished with 17 points and nine rebounds. Grant Holmes added 15 points off the bench, while Trey O’Neil had 13 points and Brady Werth added 10 points (eight in the first half).
For Southwest Baptist, Logan Hovey led the Bearcats with 16 points and seven rebounds. Marlon Alcindor added 12 points, Damian Prgomet had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Also, Cartier Dean had 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Up next, on Saturday, January 13, the Tigers will return to Gross Memorial Coliseum in hopes of rebounding against UNK (6-9).