Kearney, Neb. - The Colorado-Colorado Springs women's basketball team made 24 of 25 free throws, and got 27 points from sophomore guard Payden Ackerman, to hold of Nebraska-Kearney, 101-93, Friday night in the Springs.

UNK (8-14, 7-8 RMAC) sees a five-game win streak come to an end while the Lions (6-16, 2-12 RMAC) stop an seven-game skid. This was the Lopers first-ever trip to the Gallogly Center, a new arena on the UCCS campus that opened last month.

By having its best offensive night of the season, UCCS beats UNK at home for the first time since the 1998-99 season.

Moment of the Game
UCCS came into the contest averaging 61 points per game and shooting about 34 percent from the field. Those numbers were smashed by half time as the Lions, shooting 53 percent, led 48-34.

Ackerman made 4 of her first 5 threes to help UCCS get off on the right foot and eventually build up a double digit lead.

UNK shot a respectable 47 percent in the 1st half but was out rebounded 20-14, including a 4-1 mark on the offensive glass. UCCS came into the night with -5.5 rebounding margin.

The Lopers dominated the boards in the 2nd half, 27-13, and that helped them rack up 59 points. However, Springs went 20 of 21 at the line over the final 20 minutes to hold off a late UNK spurt.

 Lopers of the Game
Kim Thissen (Sr., F, Davenport, ia.) - career-high 22 points on 10 of 12 FG shooting, tied career-high of 12 rebounds, played all 40 minutes
Lea Ann Jameson (So., F, Minden) - career-high 23 points on 9 of 16 FG shooting, 6 rebounds (5 offensive), 3 assists, 2 steals, 33 minutes
Debi Johnson (So., G, Elsie) - 22 points on 11 of 11 FT shooting, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

Opponent Notes
Ackerman finished 8 of 12 from the field (7 of 11 3's) & went 4 of 4 at the line
Guard Lauren Wolfinger scored 20 points on 7 of 15 FG shooting & 6 of 7 FT shooting
Wing Ashley Miller scored 16 points & had 7 rebounds
Reserve post Mallory Lowe had 14 points & a team-best 9 rebounds

Up Next
UNK is at Regis and Metro State next weekend