Box Score

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team scored six unanswered points in the final 3:32 against Missouri Western and knocked off the Griffons 71-68 on Thursday (Feb. 3) evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The win continues a now season-high four-game winning streak for the Lady Tigers.

Fort Hays State came out and put on one of their best first half performances this season, building a lead of as much as 14 in the first half and taking a 41-34 lead to the break. The Lady Tigers shot over 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range in the half, led by 23 from Traci Keyser.

Missouri Western fought back in the second half, tying the game seven times and taking the lead on five occasions. They took their largest lead of the second half at 68-65 on a 3-pointer by Alicia Bell with 3:32 to go. That, however, would be their final bucket of the game. A layup by Rhys Pihl on the Tigers' next possession cut the lead to one. Kara Champlin hit one of two free throws with 1:57 to go to tie the game at 68. 

After a Missouri Western turnover, Pihl would once again make her way to the basket for a go-ahead layup with 39 seconds to play. The Lady Tigers got another stop the next Griffon possession when Keyser blocked a jumper by Brenna Saline that was rebounded by Champlin. Chrisa Bechard knocked down one of two free throws with 22 seconds to play gave Fort Hays State the final margin of 71-68.

Keyser had a monster game to lead Fort Hays State (10-9, 7-8 MIAA). She scored 29 points on 10-17 shooting from the field, including 6-10 from beyond the arc. Her six 3-point field goals made ties her for 9th-most in a game at FHSU all-time. Bechard had another strong performance for the Lady Tigers, scoring 16 points and dishing out four assists. Pihl chipped in 11, including two clutch baskets down the stretch. Champlin was solid in the post as usual, scoring seven points and grabbing nine rebounds. 

Missouri Western (10-8, 7-7 MIAA) was led by Jessica Koch with 14 points and Rachel Luteyn and Kallie Schoonover who each had 10. Alicia Bell chipped in 8 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. 

Fort Hays State will have another chance at knocking off a ranked opponent on Saturday (Feb. 5) when No. 11 Washburn visits Gross Memorial Coliseum in a game starting at 1:00 pm.