Kearney, Neb. – The Colorado School of Mines women's basketball team finished the game on 12-5 scoring run to defeat Nebraska-Kearney, 67-63, Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

Mines improves to 19-7 (13-5 RMAC) while UNK falls to 9-16 (8-10 RMAC). The Orediggers also beat the Lopers 74-71 in Golden, Colo. on January 23rd.

Tonight was "Think Pink" in honor of breast cancer awareness. The pink and white game jerseys worn by the Lopers were on loan from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Chasing an NCAA at-large bid, Mines has now won 7 of the last 10 meetings with UNK, holding the Lopers under 71 points in each of those 10 games.

UNK still has a chance at the RMAC Tournament as Chadron State (8-10 RMAC) lost to Colorado Christian.

Moment of the Game
In a game that featured 12 lead changes and 7 ties, Mines shot 50% (6 of 12) from behind the arc in the first half. Coming into the game, the Orediggers were averaging three made three point field goals on the season.

At the 15:39 mark of the 1st half, Nebraska-Kearney went on a 12-4 run to make the score 21-12. However, the Orediggers led 40-36 at the half as those six triples brought them back and helped them also overcome UNK's strong rebounding.

Loper post Megan Becker scored all but 2 of her 20 points in the first twenty minutes. She and fellow post  Kim Thissen were saddled with four trouble in the 2nd half.

UNK would take its final lead with 7:01 left, 56-55, then Mines went on that decisive spurt. The Orediggers seventh three point basket of the game, from Angie Charchalis, with 1:22 left gave Mines a five point cushion.

The seven made threes tied a season-high for Mines. During the 'Diggers final push, UNK went nearly five minutes without scoring.

The Lopers out rebounded Mines, 44-33, and also had a plus 14 advantage in points in the paint. However, 24 turnovers led to 24 Oredigger points.

Lopers of the Game
Becker (Jr., F, Beaver City) - scored a team-high 20 points on 8-8 FT shooting, 10 rebounds (2nd double-double of the season)
Kim Thissen (Sr., F, Davenport, IA) - scored 11 points on 5 of 6 FG shooting, 6 rebounds

Opponent Notes
Brecca Gaffney scored team high 19 points on 9-9 FT shooting, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Emily Dalton scored 10 points 3-4 Ft shooting, 10 rebounds, 1 blocked shot
Angis Charchalis scored 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals

Up Next
Nebraska Kearney closes out the regular season against Colorado Christian tomorrow night