FHSU Sports Information Department
EDMOND, Okla. – Despite leading for more than 30 minutes, the Fort Hays State women’s basketball team dropped a heartbreaker to 18th-ranked Central Oklahoma Saturday afternoon (Feb. 18) inside Hamilton Field House, 76-72. The Tigers led by as many as 13 after a strong start, but a 16-0 run by the Bronchos to start the fourth quarter doomed FHSU.
The Tigers fall to 19-7 this season and 10-7 in the MIAA after dropping their first game in five tries, while UCO broke up a four-game losing skid to improve to 21-5 overall and 12-5 in league play. Currently sitting in sixth in the league, the Tigers have secured a home game in the first round of the MIAA Tournament as they can’t fall below seventh in the standings and can only finish as high as fifth. That game will be played on Tuesday, February 28 inside Gross Memorial Coliseum against a team to be determined.
The Bronchos had no answer for sophomore Carly Heim, who erupted for a career-high 23 points, matching the most points in a game for a Tiger this season (Tatyana Legette vs No. 1 Emporia State, 12/10/16). The guard was an astounding 10-of-14 from the floor. Freshman Madison Mittie also went off for a personal-best 17 points. In total, 60 of FHSU’s 72 points came from freshman or sophomores.
Fort Hays State jumped out to a quick lead after one of its best opening quarters of the season, hitting 10-of-18 from the floor and 4-of-8 from behind the arc in the opening 10 minutes. The Tigers used a 13-2 run over a two minute, 21-second span to pad the lead to 13, 21-8. FHSU was a perfect 5-for-5 during the stretch. Central Oklahoma clawed within five by halftime (40-35), scoring the final four points of the half.
It was the first time this season the Tigers lost after holding a lead at halftime.
The Bronchos extended their run to 11-straight points after scoring seven in a row to open the third quarter, taking their first lead of the game on a three-pointer, 42-40. Mittie helped the Tigers grab the lead right back with a layup and-one, sparking another big Tiger run. UCO managed a bucket here and there, but the Tigers efficiently built the lead back to double-figures, 65-54, over the final eight minutes of the period. UCO knocked down a three-pointer on the final shot of the third quarter to close within eight with 10 minutes to play.
The Tigers then went ice cold, missing nine straight shots to go along with a pair of turnovers. UCO capitalized with a 16-0 run, the longest run given up by FHSU this season. In the process, the home team took a 70-65 lead. Kacey Kennett hit a jumper with 3:44 to play to give the Tigers their first points of the fourth quarter. A three-pointer from Heim cut the deficit to two with 62 seconds to play, 74-72. After making a defensive stop, the Tigers had a chance to tie or take the lead but instead turned the ball over with 22 seconds to play. UCO made both its free throws down the stretch to hold on for the 76-72 win.
Both teams were highly effective from the field, with the Bronchos outshooting FHSU 43.9 percent to 42.6 percent. The Tigers made just 7-of-12 free throws (58.3 percent) while the Bronchos secured the win by knocking down 90 percent from the charity stripe (18-of-20).
The Tigers will return home for their final regular season home game Tuesday (Feb. 21) against Nebraska-Kearney at 5:30 p.m. FHSU will be honoring its four seniors with Senior Night.
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