Kearney, Neb.- The Fort Hays State University women's basketball team knocked down 11 three pointers and forced 20 turnovers to beat Nebraska-Kearney, 86-64, Saturday afternoon in Hays, Kans.

Nebraska Kearney falls to 0-3 while Fort Hays improves to 3-0 and beats the Lopers for a second straight year.

In a game that had four ties and nine lead changes, the Tigers and the Lopers traded baskets early on as neither team held a lead bigger than four points over the first 12 minutes. Kearney's biggest lead during this time was three points, 13-10.

FHSU broke a 15-15 tie at the 10:49 mark by going on a 9-3 run over a three minute span to lead 24-18. During that run, UNK had two turnovers and missed two shots. By the break, the Lopers found themselves down 39-31 despite fact both teams were 12 of 30 from the field (40.0 pct.).

Hays started the second half by extending its eight point lead to ten with a layup by reserve Janel Durler. After a three by junior guard Debi Johnson (Elsie) at the 19:10 mark, Kearney scored just five points over the next five minutes to be down by 15 points, 54-39, with 14 minutes left in the game.

The Tigers lead stayed between 13-24 points the rest of the way.

Shooting 48 percent from the floor, Fort Hays also outscored UNK in bench points, 51-25, points off turnovers ,22-6, and fast break points, 16-2.

The Tigers had four players in double figures with reserve Rhys Pihl having a game-high 17 thanks to 4 of 7 three point shooting. She was followed by 11 from starter Kara McFarland and 10 points a piece from reserves Kara Champlin (4 of 4 shooting) and Kimber Weiser (4 of 9 shooting.

UNK was led in points by senior post Megan Becker (Southern Valley H.S.) with 12, followed by Johnson with 11 and sophomore post Kelsey Lane (Omaha Buke) supplying 10 off the bench.

Nebraska Kearney home opener is Saturday night against Hastings College.