Lance Russell earned Athlete of the Week honors this week for his performance for the Fort Hays State men's basketball program. The redshirt junior guard scored in double figures in both FHSU games this week, averaging 13.5 points per game. The Tigers went 1-1 on the week with a road win over Missouri Western, 62-58, on Monday; however, the Tigers fell on the road at Washburn, 79-67, on Saturday. FHSU is 14-6 on the season, including 8-6 in the MIAA.
Russell, a key reserve this season, scored a team-high in points in both games. In the win over Missouri Western, Russell notched 13 points in 24 minutes. He shot 5-of-7 from the field, including 2-for-3 from 3-point range. Russell pulled in four rebounds in the win as well.
In just 17 minutes against Washburn, Russell totalled 16 points and two rebounds. The Wichita, Kan. native shot 50 percent from the field, shooting 5-of-10. He was 3-of-5 from 3. Russell also had one steal in the game.
On the season, Russell has appeared in all 20 games off the bench. Russell averages 6.9 points and three rebounds per game in just under 19 minutes per game. He is third on the team in field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage at 49.5 percent and 39.2 percent, respectively. Russell has totalled 16 assists, 15 steals and seven blocks this season.
The Tigers return home for two straight games this week. FHSU welcomes Truman to Gross Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday (Feb. 8) at 7:30 p.m. and then on Saturday (Feb. 11), the Tigers play Central Missouri at 4 p.m.
