Box Score

Fort Hays State faced an early scare from Missouri Southern, but wore the Lions down and used a huge advantage at the free throw line to prevail by a score of 80-63 on Monday night (Jan. 9) at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Katelyn Edwards and Kate Lehman each recorded double-doubles and led an FHSU attack which shot 43.6% from the field and over 70% from the free throw line.

Missouri Southern came out on fire, hitting three point field goals on both of their first possessions on their way to building an 18-10 advantage in just over four minutes, forcing FHSU coach Tony Hobson to call a timeout. The Lady Tigers were kept at arm's length for most of the half and falling behind by as many as 11 at 29-18 with 7:35 to play. The FHSU defense would tighten up the rest of the half and the offense would pick up, and the Tigers outscored Missouri Southern 19-7 the rest of the half and took a 37-36 lead to the break.

The Lions came out of the break to take what would be their final lead of the game at 38-37 on the opening possession of the half, but Lehman came right back with a layup to put the Tigers back on top. Lehman, who score seven points and grabbed nine rebounds in the half, was huge in helping Fort Hays State claim their 14th win of the season. She hit 5-of-9 shots from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line and drew several fouls against the Lions. Foul trouble plagues Missouri Southern throughout as the Lions had 30 fouls called against them and had two players foul out.

Fort Hays State converted 30-of-42 attempts from the free throw line in what would prove to be the difference in the game. Missouri Southern did not miss a free throw on the night, but shot only 13. Edwards led the way for FHSU with a season-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, her fifth double-double of the year. Lehman recorded her second double-double in three games with 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. She also blocked three shots, giving her 34 for the year. Kaiameka Brown came off the bench to score 14 points, including 2-of-3 shooting from long range and 4-of-4 shooting from the free throw line.

Leading the way for Missouri Southern, who falls to 5-10 (1-8 MIAA) on the year, was Kelby Fritz who scored 16 points but was one of many Lions in foul trouble throughout. Erin Rice, Tatianna Washington and Haley Weathers all added 10 while Weathers also had a team-high six rebounds.

Fort Hays State improves to 14-2 (6-2 MIAA) with the win, and they now have a break until Saturday (Jan. 14) when they will face Pittsburg State. The Gorillas are currently 14-0 and ranked No. 13 in the country, with that ranking sure to climb when the new poll is released tomorrow afternoon.