Box Score (HAYS, Kan.) – A sluggish start proved to be too much for the Central Missouri Jennies, as they fell to the Fort Hays State Tigers (17-7, 9-7 MIAA), 68-51. The Jens offense was unable to get going, as the team shot 29.5% (18-of-61) from the field.

Central Missouri (17-6, 11-5 MIAA) struggled through the first half, putting up 21 points, their lowest offensive output in a half since scoring 11 points in the first against Lincoln earlier this season. After Saraethea Brown scored the game's first field goal, Fort Hays put up nine straight to grab a 9-2 edge. The Jennies responded to briefly grab a lead, going on a 8-0 run thanks to a pair of treys from Alyssa Rhodes, and a layup from Nicole Caddell that put UCM ahead 10-9 at the 12:51 mark.

The Tigers controlled the rest of the first half, outscoring the Jennies 23-12 to take a 33-21 lead into the intermission. Fort Hays also dominated on the glass, out-rebounding UCM 25-16, and grabbing 11 offensive rebounds before halftime.

On two occasions, Central Missouri was able to cut the lead to single digits; Renae Shippy hit a three to make it 40-31 with 15:06 to play, then Rhodes did the same three minutes later. In both instances, Fort Hays immediately responded, not allowing the Jens to pull any closer than nine points. The Tigers put the game away with an 11-0, pushing their lead to 25, and closing out the win, 68-51.

Rhodes finished with a team-high 11 points off 4-of-11 shooting. Nicole Caddell and Shaquanda Wiggins each scored 10 points while grabbing six rebounds.

Central Missouri will take a week off before traveling to Northwest Missouri next Saturday afternoon; tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.