STORY BY CHRISTIAN PHILLIPS
Fort Hays State and the Lincoln BlueTigers fought to the very end, but the taller and more disciplined Fort Hays State team pulled away to win 73-59.
Fort Hays State came into Saturday looking to close out their home court stand this weekend with a win against the, 10-13 Lincoln Blue Tigers. A back and forth battle between FHSU and Lincoln kept Coach Hobson and the starters on their heels
Fort Hays State struggled to finish beneath the basket to start the contest off, as their first three layup attempts came up empty. Kacey Kennett eventually put one down for the Tigers, but she struggled to find the bottom of the basket for the duration of the first half.
Fort Hays State shot a collective 16-38 from the field at 42.1% for the first half and dominated in bench production with 15 points, compared to Lincoln’s two points.
The Tigers early success from beyond the arc stalled, as the finished 2-10 in the first period. Three-point struggles continued down the stretch, as the Tigers ended the game 5-24 (20.8%).
Tatyana Legette and Lanie Page both sparked life in the Tigers offensive and defensive success, as Legette’s eight boards in the first half, along with six points, and finishing 6-6 from the free-throw line gave the Tigers a 42-28 lead at the half.
FHSU gained some momentum going into the break after Maddie Mittie’s missed free-throw to end the half was rebounded by Whitney Randall for a last-second lay-in.
Fort Hays State started the third period with a three-point jumper to extend their lead against the BlueTigers. Legette’s physicality on both ends of the floor remained crucial for the Tigers to pull away, but the undersized BlueTigers were still finding success in the paint.
Lincoln had a total of 14 points off of second-chance opportunities, most of them coming from under the rim. Lincoln’s aggressiveness in the paint propelled them into out-scoring FHSU, with 42 points in the paint (Tigers 36). LU would also execute on points off turnovers, scoring 11 points off FHSU mistakes to keep things close down the stretch.
Shooting troubles riddled the Tigers team as they complete the game 27-68 at 39.7%. Kacey Kennett struggled throughout the game, Kennett didn’t find the scoring column again until she was sent to the line late in the fourth (1-7 FG, 0-3 3-PTR, 1-2FT)
A 7-3 run by the Blue Tigers brought the game within nine points but was responded by Taylor Rolfs dagger three, and Belle Barbieri’s three-point play.
Legette took over down the stretch of the game, pushing the lead past double digits with her consecutive scoring possessions. Legette filled the stat sheet once again for the Tigers and finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in 36 minutes.
The Tigers held onto the lead by hitting shots at the line to close things out down the stretch.
Coach Hobson’s team finished 14-18 from line at 77.8%
Fort Hays State goes on to improve their overall record to 23-1 and 13-0 at home.
FHSU women’s basketball will be back in action on February 21st against Central Oklahoma on the road at 5:30 P.M.