By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
After posting a season-high shooting percentage Thursday, the fourth-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team bested that mark in Saturday’s 81-61 victory over Central Oklahoma (Jan. 12). The Tigers knocked down 51.8 percent of their shots (29-of-56) while forcing 23 turnovers thanks to 17 steals.
Fort Hays State improved its record to 15-0 overall and 6-0 in MIAA play, while the Bronchos are now 11-5 overall and 2-4 in league action.
The Tigers got off to a hot start and never looked back, hitting 8-of-13 shots (61.5 percent) in the opening quarter to go along with a perfect 6-for-6 effort from the charity stripe. Fort Hays State closed the quarter with nine-straight points, including a big three-pointer from Taylor Rolfs.
After trailing by as many as 18, Central Oklahoma battled back within eight late in the second quarter before a Carly Heim free throw made the halftime margin 37-28.
Fort Hays State dominated out of the locker room, outscoring the Bronchos 23-9 in the third quarter to pull away for good. The Tigers closed the quarter on a 15-2 run over the final five-plus minutes, including seven-straight points from Tatyana Legette over an 84-second span.
Five players scored in double figures for the third time this season, including a game-high 18 for Legette to go along with six assists, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Kacey Kennett tallied 14 points, while Lanie Page had 13, Whitney Randall had 12 and Rolfs had 11.
The Tigers took advantage of the 23 Broncho turnovers, tallying 24 points off turnovers including 16 fast-break points. FHSU also dominated in the paint, outscoring the visitors 38-20.
Fort Hays State will head back out on the road next week when they travel to a pair of in-state opponents. First up is a trip to Emporia, Kan. Wednesday (Jan. 16) to take on Emporia State at 5:30 p.m.