Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team got double digit games from seniors Debi Johnson and Vanessa Leeper Jones to grind out a 65-57 win over New Mexico Highlands Saturday night at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers (4-12, 4-7 RMAC), winners of two straight, are now 18-0 all-time against the Cowgirls (8-8, 4-8 RMAC).

There was little flow in a game that featured 55 free throws, 52 fouls and 48 turnovers. In addition, Loper posts Shelby Zimmerman (Tri-Couty H.S.) and Melissa Norman (Elk Grove, Calif.) fouled out in the second half.

Among the top free throw shooting teams in the league, UNK ended the night 18 of 25 (72.0%) at the line while the Cowgirls, among the poorest free throwing shooting teams in the RMAC, sunk 14 of 30 freebies (46.7%).

UNK jumped out to a 12-6 lead eight minutes in but neither team held more than a four point lead the next 25 minutes. Ahead 29-26 at the break, the Lopers found themselves down four seven minutes into the second half.

A jumper from junior guard Ivy Jones (Vallejo, Calif.) broke a 42 all tie and then UNK made six straight free throws to open up a 50-44 lead by the 7:11 mark.

Highlands didn't go quietly, however, getting a three from reserve Ashley Godfrey to cut the Loper lead to three, 53-50, with about four to play.

Taking a pass from Leeper Jones (Colo. Springs, Colo.), sophomore guard Sarah Hix (Broomfield, Colo.) tallied her only bucket of the game to stop the HU run. Then, Leeper Jones added a jumper to give UNK a seven point lead.

Leeper Jones ended with team-highs in points (16) and rebounds (13) as she went 8 of 10 at the line. Johnson (Elsie) made 5 of 6 freebies to tally 15 points while also handing out five assists.

Off the bench, Jones had six points and six assists and true freshman post Danielle Kersten (Springtown, Texas) supplied five points and three rebounds in 11 minutes.

Turning the ball over 26 times, Highlands was lead by China Smith (14 rebounds and 10 ponts) and reserve Eboni Jacobs (14 points).

UNK is on the road the next two weekends.