Fort Hays State begins a key two-game homestand to finish the regular season on Wednesday (Feb. 27) against Missouri Western in Hays. Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Fort Hays State is just one game back of first in the MIAA, tied for second, and still has a shot at winning the conference title with two games to play. The Tigers are also looking to secure a first-round bye in the MIAA Tournament this week as the top four teams in the conference do not have to play the opening round of the tournament.
Fort Hays State enters the game at 17-7 overall and 11-5 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State and Washburn are currently tied for second, just one game back of Central Missouri (18-6 overall, 12-4 MIAA), heading into the final week of the regular season. Central Missouri hosts Truman on Wednesday, then plays at Washburn on Saturday. If UCM wins on Wednesday, it would have at least a share of the conference regular season championship. Washburn plays at rival Emporia State on Thursday evening before hosting UCM on the weekend.
The Tigers had their seven-game win streak snapped at Washburn this past Saturday, which pulled them back into a tie for second with the Ichabods. Fort Hays State defeated Missouri Western earlier this year in St. Joseph by a score of 84-74 in overtime. It was one of two overtime wins on the road in MIAA play for the Tigers this year. The week is also key for the Tigers if they are going to make a push for the NCAA Tournament. FHSU was No. 8 in the first set of Central Region Rankings released last Wednesday and only eight teams are selected to the regional from three conferences (MIAA, NSIC, and GAC).
Missouri Western enters on a three-game losing streak. The Griffons are currently clinging to a one-game lead over Nebraska-Kearney for the last position for the MIAA Tournament, since Lindenwood is not eligible to compete in the tournament.
Fort Hays State leads the MIAA in field goal percentage (.477), field goal percentage defense (.403), 3-point field goal percentage (.409), blocked shots per game (5.5), and assists per game (18.1).
