FHSU Athletics
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Four 3-pointers from freshman Arika Feldman and three more from Maddy Powell helped the Fort Hays State women's basketball team hold off Southwest Baptist Saturday afternoon on day two of the GLVC/MIAA Crossover, winning 71-61. The Tigers move to 3-0 with the win, while the Bearcats are now 0-3 to start the season.
Fort Hays State built its first-quarter edge from behind the arc, with Feldman making three 3-pointers in the opening stretch. Feldman added her fourth triple later in the frame before a fast-break 3-pointer from Powell made it 25-19 at the end of the quarter.
The lead changed hands four times in the second quarter, with the Tigers taking a 34-32 lead into the locker room after a Powell 3-pointer at the buzzer. FHSU hit just four field goals in the quarter, but kept things close by forcing six SBU turnovers in the frame.
While the Tigers never trailed in the second half, the Bearcats got as close as possible at 40-39 after a 7-0 run. FHSU responded by scoring 11 of the next 13 points, pushing the lead to double figures less than four minutes later.
A 3-pointer from Powell and a jumper from Olivia Mortensen opened the run, while the Tiger defense contributed three steals and two blocks. Kailyn Hanni pushed the lead to 10, helping FHSU lead 53-43 with one period left.
Kenlee Durrill opened the final frame with a 3-pointer of her own, building the lead to a game-high 13 points. The Bearcats wouldn't quit, however, closing within five with three minutes remaining. But two baskets each from Mortensen and Nia McKenzie and four Hanni assists helped FHSU stay in front until the final horn.
McKenzie posted her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Mortensen and Feldman tied for the team lead with 14 points each. Hanni racked up eight points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Powell scored 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting.
The Tigers hit 43.8 percent from the floor (28-of-64) and drilled nine 3-pointers, three more than the team did in its first two games combined.
FHSU will next travel to St. Joseph, Mo. for the Central Region Showcase November 20-21. The Tigers will first take on MSU Moorhead on Friday beginning at 1 p.m. before battling Ouachita Baptist on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. inside the Civic Arena.