Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team used a balanced attack to win at Colorado-Colorado Springs, 65-58, Friday night.

The Lopers (5-12, 5-7 RMAC) have not only won three in a row but, by beating the Mountain Lions (10-8, 5-7 RMAC), earn their first win away from Kearney in 370 calendar days. 

Prior to Friday, UNK had lost its last 12 games (11 road and one neutral) away from the Health & Sports Center.

Kearney led for the last 30 minutes but not by more than seven points. Up 32-28 at the break, the Lopers opened up a 56-49 cushion at the 6:55 mark after a layup by sophomore point guard Nicole Arp (Kearney H.S.).

However, the Mountain Lions scored six in the next minute to close the gap. A bucket by junior reserve guard Ivy Jones (Vallejo, Calif.) stopped the Springs run and, after two missed shots by the Lions, senior wing Vanessa Leeper sunk two free throws to push the lead back to five.

UCCS didn't get closer than three points the rest of the way.

Playing her final basketball game in her home town, Leeper Jones had 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Fellow senior Debi Johnson (Elsie) also had 13 points, as well as a rebound and assist. 

Five others scored between five and seven points, including Jones (seven).

The Lopers overcame 19 turnovers by shooting 50% (26 of 52) from the field and out rebounding the home team by six, 37-31. UCCS also was just 1 of 13 from behind the arc to finish the night at 36% (20 of 56) shooting.

Two Lions were in double digits, led by Sammi Gentille with 16.

UNK is at Colorado State-Pueblo Saturday night.