BY TRISTAN SASSE
In a battle of two teams heading in opposite directions, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team defeated the Lindenwood Lions 87-73 from St. Charles, Missouri. The Tigers led by as many as 23 points and only trailed once. With the win, FHSU has now won four straight games. On the other side, Lindenwood has dropped its last seven contests. After Saturday, Fort Hays improved to 6-1 all-time against the Lions.
Game Recap
A pair of early three-pointers helped the Tigers jump out to a 7-4 lead. Midway through the quarter, FHSU extended its lead to seven. With two minutes remaining in the opening quarter, Fort Hays held a 16-9 advantage. Lindenwood ended the quarter with a 5-2 run, but FHSU led 18-14 after one. The Tigers had 13 rebounds in the first frame, including 6 boards from Tatyana Legette.
The Lions began the second quarter with a 5-0 run to take their first lead of the game. FHSU responded with a 9-0 burst and led 27-19 with just over six minutes until halftime. With 4:23 left in the half, Fort Hays’ margin increased to double-digits in part of a 16-1 run. The Tigers continued their dominance and went into the locker room with a 41-24 advantage. 24 points were the fewest scored in the first half all season for Lindenwood.
FHSU shot 48.5% in the first half while holding the Lions to 38.1%. The Tigers also won the rebounding battle 24-12 and connected with five three-pointers.
Lanie Page led the Tigers with 15 points and three assists. Carly Heim added 10 points and Emma Stroyan had six points and four rebounds. Leading the Lions was Sara Ross with 10 points, followed by Kallie Bildner with seven points.
The second half continued to be a similar story, and three minutes into the half, the Tigers led by 19 points. With five minutes remaining in the third, FHSU held a comfortable 52-33 lead. Entering the final period, Fort Hays maintained the upper hand, at 68-48.
In the early minutes of the fourth quarter, the Tigers seemed to have an answer for every basket from Lindenwood. With 6:20 remaining, the Lions trimmed the deficit to 74-60. Lindenwood failed to come closer than 12 points in the final quarter, and FHSU cruised to an 87-73 victory. It was the most points Fort Hays scored in an MIAA game this season.
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By the Numbers
On the afternoon, FHSU shot 56.6%, while Lindenwood finished at 49.1%. Additionally, the Tigers had a major rebounding advantage, 40-21, and forced 11 turnovers, but had 15 of their own.
Leading Fort Hays, Page had 21 points, four assists, and three blocks. Heim added 18 points and three rebounds, while Taylor Rolfs had 14 points and three steals. Belle Barbiele and Legette each finished with nine rebounds.
For Lindenwood, Charisse Williams had 17 points. Gabby Walker followed with 14 points and five rebounds. Ross finished with 14 points and Bildner added 13 points and four rebounds.
Looking Ahead
On Wednesday, January 31, FHSU (16-4 in MIAA, 7-4 overall) will return home to host Emporia State (12-5, 7-3). ESU defeated the Tigers 73-70 earlier this season. Meanwhile, Lindenwood (10-11, 2-10) will travel to St. Joseph, Missouri to face Missouri Western (10-10, 3-10) on Thursday.