Tigers Battle No. 18 Bronchos Saturday

FHSU Sports Information Department

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women’s basketball team will wrap up a two-game road swing against 18th-ranked Central Oklahoma Saturday afternoon (Feb. 18) in Edmond, Okla. First tip is set for 1:30 p.m. inside Hamilton Field House on the campus of UCO.

The Tigers are riding a four-game winning streak, playing to a 19-6 record this season and a 10-6 mark in conference play. The Bronchos are in the midst of a four-game losing skid, dipping to 20-5 (11-5 MIAA) after winning 20 of their first 21 games. The Tigers contributed to that stretch of losses, knocking off UCO one week ago in Hays, 57-44 (Feb. 11). FHSU would move in front of UCO in the MIAA standings with a win Saturday.

A victory Saturday would also give Fort Hays State 20 wins for the sixth-consecutive year, continuing the team’s record-breaking streak. The Tigers have won 20 or more games 13 times before this season, with five coming under the guidance of Tony Hobson.

Fort Hays State leads the all-time series, 8-2, including a 2-2 mark in Edmond. The Tigers are 7-1 against the Bronchos under Hobson. The teams split the season series last year, with both sides winning on their home floor. Fort Hays State had won seven in a row against UCO before falling in the season finale last year.

The Tigers have given up less than 50 points in each of the last three games for the first time since 2015 (1/17-24/15). If the Tigers extend the stretch to four games Saturday, it would be the first time since 1973-74.

A trio of Tigers have scored 10 or more points per game during the current winning streak, led by Tatyana Legette averaging a double-double (10.8 points, 10.8 rebounds). FHSU has outscored its opponents by 16.8 points per game during the stretch.

Three Bronchos average in double figures scoring, led by Melinda Murillo’s 14.6 points per game. Jesheon Cooper nearly averages a double-double, recording 10.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per night to go along with a conference-best three blocks per contest. UCO has scored just 57 points per game after averaging north of 71 points over the first 21 games of the season.

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