FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – After suffering its first home loss in nearly two years, the Fort Hays State women’s basketball team looks to bounce back Wednesday evening (Feb. 1) when it travels to play 12th-ranked Emporia State. First tip from historic White Auditorium is set for 5:30 p.m. The Tigers are currently tied for sixth place in the MIAA standings, carrying a 15-5 overall record and a 6-5 record in conference action. Emporia State sits in fourth place in the league, two games in front of FHSU at 8-3 (17-3 overall).
The Tigers hold a two-game winning streak against the Lady Hornets, knocking off the No. 1 team in the country in both games. The combined winning margin in those two games is just four points. The Tigers also won the most recent game with ESU in White Auditorium, contested nearly two years ago (72-62, 2/7/15).
Emporia State leads the all-time series with the Tigers, 46-31, including a sizeable 24-11 advantage in games played in Emporia. Fort Hays State is 5-13 against the in-state rival under head coach Tony Hobson, winning one of seven road contests.
Emma Stroyan and Carly Heim have been big contributors for the Tigers of late, scoring in double figures each of the last three games and two games, respectively. Stroyan posted her first double-double as a Tiger against Lindenwood. Jill Faxon continues to lead the Tigers in scoring, reaching double figures in eight of the last 10 games. Tatyana Legette had a career game against the Lady Hornets in December, scoring a career-high 23 points to go along with 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the year.
The Lady Hornets sport one of the strongest offenses in the game, averaging 81.5 points per game (eighth in the country). ESU leads the nation in rebound margin, grabbing 14.7 more boards per game than its opponents. Kelly Moten leads the potent Lady Hornet attack with 18.7 points and 4.4 assists per game, both second-best in the MIAA. The Tigers held Moten in check in their previous meeting, limiting the senior guard to nine points, her second-lowest outing of the year. Kathryn Flott averages a team-best 9.4 rebounds per game, including grabbing 17 boards her last time out. The senior would tie for the lead in the conference if she met the minimum number of games played.
The Tigers wrap up the week in Topeka on Saturday (Feb. 4), taking on Washburn at 5 p.m. Both games of the doubleheader will be broadcast live on ESPN3.com as a part of the NCAA Division II Basketball Showcase.