BY TRISTAN SASSE
Coming off its highest scoring MIAA contest of the season, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team was back in action on Wednesday, January 31 against the Emporia State Hornets. The Tigers trailed by as many as 15 in the first half but dominated the rest of the way. At one point, FHSU had a 38-7 run on its way to a 90-63 victory. Fort Hays has now won five straight games and improves to 11-1 at home with the win.
Game Recap
Emporia State made its first four field goals of the game but only led 9-8 in the early minutes. Shortly after, teams continued to trade baskets, but the Hornets responded with an 8-0 run to take a 19-12 lead. At the end of one, ESU held a 22-18 advantage. In the first frame, Emporia State shot over 60%, while FHSU was at 50%.
The second quarter started with a 13-3 run by the Hornets to extend their lead to 14. Midway through the quarter, Emporia State had a 38-23 advantage. Although the Hornets led by as many as 15, the Tigers answered with a 17-0 run to take a 42-40 lead heading into the locker room.
Emporia State shot 61.5% in the first half, while FHSU ended the half at 51.7%. Both teams had 12 first-half rebounds, but the Tigers forced nine turnovers.
For Fort Hays, Tatyana Legette led the Tigers with 12 points and four rebounds. Whitney Clampitt added seven points and Carley Heim had six points. On the other side, Jacee Kramer led the Hornets with 13 points. Additionally, Marissa Preston, Jessica Wayne, and Tyra Jones had six points each.
The momentum carried over into the second half for the Tigers. Three minutes into the second half, FHSU took a 52-46 lead. Minutes later, Fort Hays increased its lead to double-digits. With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Tigers extended their advantage to 61-47. FHSU maintained a 65-51 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Early in the final quarter, FHSU took a commanding 70-51 edge. The Tigers’ offense continued to shine, as they held a 25-point advantage with under five minutes to play. At the end of the day, Fort Hays scored a conference game season-high 90 points, as they defeated the Hornets 90-63.
By the Numbers
On the night, FHSU shot 50.8%, while the Hornets finished at 45.3%. Additionally, the Tigers out-rebounded Emporia State 35-32. Fort Hays also had 15 assists and forced 18 turnovers, including 11 steals.
Leading the Tigers were Legette and Emma Stroyan with 21 points each. Legette added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Also, Heim had 16 points and four rebounds, while Clampitt finished with 10 points.
For the Hornets, Kramer ended the night with 15 points and Wayne added 11 points and three rebounds. Jones and Morgan Laudan both added 10 points.
Looking Ahead
On Saturday, FHSU ( 17-4 overall, 8-4 in MIAA) will host its in-state rival, the Washburn Ichabods (14-6, 6-5). Washburn defeated the Tigers 62-59 earlier this season. Meanwhile, Emporia State (13-6, 8-4) will travel to Kearney, Nebraska to take on the Lopers (16-3, 8-3). The Hornets decisively defeated UNK, 85-64, in early December.