FHSU Athletics
Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (14-6, 9-3 MIAA)
at Emporia State (9-9, 4-8 MIAA)
Sunday, January 22, 2023 • 3:00 p.m.
Emporia, Kan. • White Auditorium
Radio: KJLS (103.3)
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Fort Hays State women's basketball wraps up a quick road trip Sunday afternoon when the Tigers travel to Emporia, Kan. to take on Emporia State. First tip from White Auditorium is slated for 1:30 p.m.
The Tigers head into the weekend at 14-6 overall and 9-3 in the MIAA, tied for fourth in the MIAA standings, while the Lady Hornets rank eighth in the league at 9-9 on the year and 4-8 in conference play.
Live video of the conference clash will be available on The MIAA Network. Fans can purchase access to a single contest for $10, a month-long pass for $25 or a season-long, all-access pass for $125. Both the monthly and year-long passes gain access to any event in any sport streamed on The MIAA Network.
Live radio coverage with voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock will be available over the air on KJLS 103.3 FM and online at hayspost.com.
Tiger Notables
- The Tigers and Lady Hornets did not face off at all during 2022, the first time the in-state rivals went an entire calendar year without playing since 2005 and just the fourth year that did not include an FHSU/ESU battle on record (2022, 2005, 2004, 1996).
- Fort Hays State came away victorious in six of the last nine games against Emporia State.
- The Tigers have 11 wins over Emporia State over the last 10 seasons (2013-14-present), more than any other team over that span (UCM 9, UCO 8, PSU 7, MWSU 6, WU 6, UNK 5).
- A win Sunday would give the Tigers consecutive road wins over ESU for the first time since 1994-95.
- This is FHSU's fourth Sunday game this season, the first time the Tigers have played that many since the 2000-01 season. The Tigers lost to Bentley College and Emporia State before defeating Southern Colorado and New Mexico Highlands in those Sunday contests.
- The Tigers have five-straight wins when playing on Sunday and nine-straight Sunday wins in the regular season.
- Katie Wagner nearly averages a double-double when playing Emporia State, with the sophomore putting up 14.0 points and 9.3 rebounds per game against the Lady Hornets.
- The Tigers rank fourth in the country with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.30 and rank fifth in turnovers per game with an average of 12.1 turnovers per game.
- Sydney Golladay's 80 assists are second-most in the MIAA and rank 31st nationwide.
- The Tigers are in pursuit of their 12th-consecutive 20-win season. Their current streak of 11 such seasons is the longest active streak in Division II.
- Fort Hays State has won 224 games since the start of the 2014-15 season, by far the most of any MIAA team (UCM - 196 wins).
- The Tigers are 213-115 (.649) in conference games since joining the MIAA in 2006.
- The Tigers have a chance to win the league for a third-consecutive year, a feat not accomplished in more than 15 years (Washburn 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06).
Last Time Out
- Fort Hays State extended its winning streak over Washburn to an all-time best seven games thanks to a 53-46 road win over the Ichabods on Wednesday (Jan. 18).
- The Tigers led by as many as 11 late in the third quarter before Washburn went on a 12-0 run to take its first lead of the game midway through the final frame, 40-39.
- The Tigers bounced back down the stretch, outscoring the Ichabods 14-6 over the final six minutes to secure the win.
- Katie Wagner led the team with 10 points, while Emma Ruddle added nine points.
Series History with Emporia State
- Emporia State leads the all-time series, 52-37, with FHSU winning each of the last two matchups.
- The Hornets are 28-12 against FHSU in Emporia.
- The Tigers trail the series 19-11 during the Hobson era, including a 2-10 mark on the road.
- Fort Hays State has won six of the last nine matchups.
- The top-ranked Tigers moved to 7-0 last season after a 70-65 road win over the Lady Hornets (12/4/21). Katie Wagner recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
On This Day
- The Tigers are 10-6 in recorded history on January 22.
- Most recently, Fort Hays State defeated Pittsburg State at home last year, 86-82.
The Coach
- Tony Hobson enters his 15th season at Fort Hays State and his 31st season as a head coach at the collegiate level in 2022-23.
- He is 326-115 as a Tiger and 739-220 all-time.
- Hobson ranks third all-time amongst MIAA head coaches with 326 wins at FHSU.
- He entered the season in the top 30 in win percentage amongst all active NCAA head coaches and in the top 10 in Division II.
- Hobson earned the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women's Four-Year College Coach of the Year award last season, his 19th career coach of the year award.
- He has coached four All-Americans, four Academic All-Americans, two conference players of the year and 48 All-MIAA performers over the last 14 seasons.
Scouting the Lady Hornets
- The Lady Hornets are in the midst of their longest losing streak this century, losing each of their last seven games and eight straight conference games.
- ESU enters the weekend 9-9 overall and 4-8 in MIAA play. The Lady Hornets are 2-4 at home this season.
- The Lady Hornets lead the league and rank ninth nationally with a turnover margin of 7.94. They force just under 21 turnovers per game thanks to 12.7 steals per game, both tops in the MIAA.
- Tre'Zure Jobe leads the MIAA and ranks eighth in Division II with an average of 20.6 points per game. She ranks fifth nationally with 3.38 steals per contest.
Looking Ahead
The Tigers return home in search of completing the season sweep of Missouri Western when the Griffons come to town on Thursday, January 26. First tip from Gross Memorial Coliseum is set for 5:30 p.m.