Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team, after a 10 day break, hits the court again when the Lincoln University Blue Tigers swing by the Health & Sports Center Wednesday night.

UNK's first-ever MIAA game tips at 5:30 p.m. Three days later, Kearney plays at NW Missouri State (1:30 p.m.). Multimedia links can be found on the schedule page.

So far, the Lopers are seventh in the MIAA in 3-point percentage defense (29.4) and fifth in steals (11.0 pg). UNK also has a plus 2.3 rebounding margin despite being a bit under sized.

Individually, junior wing Shelby Zimmerman (Beatrice) is doing it all for the Lopers. Currently eighth in the MIAA in minutes played at nearly 31, she leads UNK in scoring (12.3), steals (2.2) and field goal percentage (55%) while ranking second in rebounds (6.3).

The Tri-County H.S. graduate has been in double digits four times and almost recorded a double double at Concordia-St. Paul (nine points & eight rebounds).

Lincoln University (4-2)
Tied for ninth in the preseason poll and going 15-13 (8-12 MIAA) last year, Lincoln is coming off a 69-60 road win at D2 newcomer McKendree (Ill.) on December 1st.

First-year head coach Nicole Collier has seven returning letterwinners, including three starters, from last year's team. Senior guard Arriana Walker (15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds & 3.7 assists per game) leads the way as she is shooting 92% at the line and 45% from the field.

Three others average in double digits as Lincoln scores a solid 72.3 points per night. The Blue Tigers also have a plus 4.3 rebounding
margin.
   
In the only meeting between the Lopers and Tigers, Lincoln posted a 64-63 victory during the 1980-81 season

About NW Missouri State Bearcats (5-2)
The Bearcats, going 6-22 (4-16 MIAA) mark last year, have almost reached six wins after a 71-68 road victory at Rogers State (Okla.) on December 1st.

Northwest lost to RMAC-member Colorado Christian, 71-68, on November 25th. They have another RMAC connection in first-year head coach Mark Kellogg, formerly of Fort Lewis.

A balanced offense finds four players averaging double digits, including 5-7 junior guard Meridee Scott (12.7) and 5-10 true freshman forward Tember Schechinger (10.4). The pair have combined to make 18 of the Northwest's 52 three pointers.

Two years ago, UNK lost in Maryville, 81-75, to trail the all-time series, 3-2. Prior to the Lopers, Northwest hosts Lindenwood on Wednesday night.