ST. JOSEPH, MO. -- Despite a career-high 26 points by Megan Fannin the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball Team dropped an 82-73 decision to No. 4 ranked Fort Hays State on Saturday afternoon at the Tip-Off Classic.

Against one of the top-ranked teams in DII, USF battled all night and made several runs at the Tigers. USF's efforts were led by Fannin, a freshman guard from Watertown, S.D., who hit 9-of-18 shots, including a career-best 5-of-8 from three-point range and added three foul shots. She also had three rebounds, and an assist in 32 minutes on the floor, Also for USF, senior forward Krystal Carlson had 15 points, two rebounds, and five steals in 24 minutes. Freshman Olivia Gamoke had a career-best 10 points in her second game at USF. She added five assists, three rebounds, and two steals while hitting 4-of-7 shots from the floor, Additionally, USF had 10 points and four rebounds from Kiara James and nine points and three rebounds from junior guard Dallie Hoskinson.

Overall, the Cougars hit 24-of-59 shots for 40.7 percent and made 10-of-24 shots from the three-point range for 41.7 percent. The Cougars improved their free-throw shooting from game one with 15-of-18 conversions for 83.3 percent.  While USF's offense was solid, FHSU was a bit better as they made 56.4 percent on 31-of-55 shooting from the floor. They were just 4-of-17 from three-point range and 14-of-20 from the foul line. FHS was led by Katie Wagner with 24 points and 15 rebounds while Olivia Hollenbeck had 16 points and Whitney Randall, 15.

Scoring Breakdown

In the opening quarter, Fort Hays State took a 14-10 lead as they hit 6-of-13 field goals for 46.15 percent. USF was 4-of-12 for 33.3 percent but made a pair of threes. The Tigers jumped to a 10-3 lead before USF, led by Fannin and Carlson, recovered to draw within 12-10 with 1:15 left in the quarter. 

Both teams significantly upped their offensive play and production in the second quarter. USF was outscored, 23-16 as FHSU took a 37-26 halftime lead. In the quarter, USF hit 7-of-14 shots for 50 percent and was 2-of-6 from the three-point range. However, the Tigers were 10-of-16 from the field for 62.50 percent and also had a pair of triples. In the second quarter, FHSU gradually built their lead and after a basket by Randall with 5:56 to play, they led, 27-16. USF was able to draw within nine at 30-21 with 4:29 to play in the quarter after a Fannin three and pulled within 32-24 at the 3:45 mark on a three by Hoskinson. FHSU closed the quarter on a 5-2 run to take the 37-26 lead to the break. 

In the third quarter, USF and FHSU both scored 21 points and both played at a high level on offense. USF was 8-of-14 from the field with 5-of-8 from the three-point range. As for FHSU, they continued their offensive success by making 9-of-14 shots in the third quarter as they maintained the 11-point lead at 58-to-47. After falling behind by 13 points, USF made a run at FHSU when Fannin's triple cut the deficit to 44-37 with 4:29 to play.. Later, a jumper by Gamoke kept USF close at 48-42 (2:31) but the Tigers had a 10-5 run to close the quarter for a 58-47 lead. 

In the fourth quarter, USF was just 5-of-19 from the floor but converted 15-of-17 free throws as they stayed close. FHSU hit 53.8 percent on 7-of-13 shooting and knocked in 10-of-11 free throws. USF made another push at FHSU and drew within 62-55 at the 7:56 mark when Hoskins hit a triple. Two foul shots by Fannin kept USF within six at 63-57 with 6:54 to play.  Later USF had a pair of foul shots from Carlson to cut the lead to 67-62 with five minutes to play. Unfortunately, that was as close as USF would get. The Tigers finished on an 11-5 run for the 78-67 victory.

Next for USF will be its home opener on Tuesday at 5:30 pm when the Cougars host Presentation College. USF will also play Waldorf at 6 pm on Thursday, Nov. 18 and Black Hills State at 3 pm on Saturday, Nov. 20.