Fort Hays State closes out a four-game homestand on Saturday (Jan. 24) when it hosts Pittsburg State in a pivotal MIAA game at 4 pm. Fort Hays State enters the game on a four-game win streak, holding a record of 12-6 overall and 5-4 in the MIAA. The Tigers are looking to pull into a tie with the Gorillas in the conference standings, as Pittsburg State enters at 10-7 overall and 6-3 in the MIAA.

The Tigers have won 10 of the last 11 meetings with the Gorillas, dating back to the 2008-09 season. The only win for PSU in that run was in 2012-13 in Pittsburg. FHSU has won the last six meetings between the teams in Hays. This marks the 152nd meeting between the schools, dating all the way back to 1916-17. The teams will meet twice this year, with the return match-up in Pittsburg set for February 14.

Fort Hays State remains two games back of first place in the MIAA standings, currently occupied by Lindenwood at 7-2. Lindenwood is the only team remaining in conference play with less than three losses. The Lions face defending national champion Central Missouri on Saturday.

The Tigers have been efficient on offense in the last two games, shooting their second and third-highest field goal percentages of the season. FHSU shot 60 percent from the field in a 77-49 win over Northeastern State, then shot 58.6 percent from the field in a 91-62 win over South Dakota Mines.

The Tigers continue battle hard on the defensive end as they entered the week leading the MIAA in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense. FHSU has done a good job crashing the boards, also leading the MIAA in rebounding margin +6.1. FHSU has outrebounded their opponents in 15 of 18 games this year. All three of the games they did not resulted in losses.

Royce Williams leads active Tigers in scoring at 10.3 points per game. His scoring average moved into double figures with 18 points against South Dakota Mines on Thursday to tie his career high at FHSU. James Fleming was just two points shy of his career high, matching Williams with 18 points against the Hardrockers. Achoki Moikobu averages 9.7 points per game and nearly had a double-double Thursday night with nine points and a career-high 10 assists. Dom Samac is currently coming off the bench to average 9.8 points per game.

The next eight games will renew long-time rivalries for the Tigers. Six of the next eight are against other MIAA schools in Kansas, with the extra two against long-time rival to the north, Nebraska-Kearney.