Lady Tigers Fall at Hutchinson

Fort Hays Tech Northwest Women's Basketball fell to Hutchinson Community College on Saturday afternoon, 77–55.

The Lady Tigers got off to a slow start, as the Blue Dragons opened the game on a 14–0 run. Tech found its first basket just under 4:30 remaining in the opening quarter; however, the Blue Dragons would immediately answer, draining a three-pointer. FHNW continued to battle, closing the double-digit deficit with a 7–0 run to end the quarter. Tech carried that momentum into the second quarter, chipping away at the lead and eventually cutting the margin to six, 26–20, with two minutes remaining in the half. However, the Blue Dragons would go on an 8-2 run to finish the half, leading the Tigers, 30-22.

The Lady Tigers looked to trim the deficit in the third quarter, but the Blue Dragons began to pull away. When Hutchinson wasn't scoring from the field, they were getting to the free-throw line, shooting 12-for-13 on seven trips in the third. The surge stretched the Blue Dragons' lead to 62–37 heading into the fourth.

In the fourth, the Lady Tigers finally had the chance to narrow the lead, with Tech making three three-pointers in a row. However, it would be too little, too late, with the game wrapping up, 77-55, in favor of Hutchinson. In the final period, Tech made a push late, knocking down three consecutive three-pointers to cut into the lead. The run, however, proved too late, as Hutchinson maintained control and closed out the game, 77–55.

Statistically, both teams were nearly even in offensive efficiency, but Hutchinson created separation by winning the possession battle. Nearly half of the Blue Dragons' rebounds came on the offensive glass, and their success at the free-throw line, 17-of-21, proved decisive. By comparison, Tech went 3-of-11 from the stripe.

Fati Fall led all scorers with a season-high 16 points, while Zarria Thomas also reached double figures with 10.

The Lady Tigers will return to competition on Wednesday at home, where they will take on the Pratt Community College Beavers.