By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The fourth-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team will face off against a fellow ranked opponent for the third time this season when No. 25 Lindenwood makes the trip to Hays on Thursday (Feb. 14). First tip between the Tigers and Lions is slated for 5:30 p.m. from Gross Memorial Coliseum.
Promotions
Game Sponsor: American Family Insurance- Brian Ruder Agency
National Anthem: North Central Children’s Choir
Student Section Theme: Dress to Impress
Student Night: Prizes given out to students throughout both the men’s and women’s games
Giveaway: Valentine’s Day gift (while supplies last)
Halftime Performance: Styles Dance
Not only is Thursday’s matchup a battle between two Top 25 squads, it also pits the number one team in the MIAA standings against a team right on its tail. The Tigers (21-1, 12-1) are currently two games clear of the rest of the league, while Lindenwood (16-4, 10-3) is looming in a tie for second with Washburn. This is the only time the Tigers and Lions will face off in the regular season.
Fort Hays State owns a 6-2 lead in the all-time series against Lindenwood, with all eight games coming under head coach Tony Hobson. The Tigers won the first five matchups, but the Lions have bounced back with wins in two of the last three contests. The Tigers are 2-1 against LU in Hays, with the lone Lion win ending a program-record 25-game home winning streak for FHSU in 2017. Lindenwood came away victorious the last time these two teams met, winning the MIAA Tournament championship in come-from-behind fashion last March in KC, 58-51 (3/4/18).
The Tigers have excelled at home this season, winning all 12 contests inside Gross Memorial Coliseum by an average of 30.2 points. Only three visiting teams have eclipsed 60 points in Hays this season.
No. 25 Lindenwood enters the week ranked in the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll for just the second time in history. The Lions are 0-2 while ranked after they entered the Top 25 for the first time this season at No. 24. Lindenwood returned four starters and nine letterwinners from last year’s MIAA Tournament championship squad, including All-Region performer Kallie Bildner. The junior leads the league in scoring (17.3 ppg) and rebounding (10.4 rpg). The Lions are on pace to set a program record in shooting percentage as they currently ranks sixth in the nation at 48.0 percent. As a team, LU ranks 4th in the league in scoring at 73.7 ppg.