Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Missouri Western State used a big first half run and had a plus 26 turnover margin to beat Nebraska-Kearney, 71-36, Saturday night in St. Joseph, Mo.
 
The Griffons (14-10, 7-9) are now 8-3 at home while the Lopers fall to 6-17 (3-13).
 
UNK, still minus its top three scorers on the season, led 7-3 six minutes in as senior post Nadia Williams (San Jose, Calif.) had six points and the Griffons were just 1 of 12 from the floor.
 
Western's second bucket of the game came at 13:04 and that started a 23-2 run. During this stretch, the Griffons were 12 of 18 (67%) from the field.
 
Getting out rebounded 41-23, Western had four score in double digits, took advantage of 39 Loper turnovers and got 35 points off the bench.
 
Senior post Heather Howard, a transfer from Oklahoma State, had 12 points, four rebounds and four blocks with reserve guard JaQuitta Dever at 12 points, five assists and had four of the Griffons 28 steals.
 
For the Lopers, Lincoln sophomore post Queen Ohamara had 10 points on 4 of 8 shooting with junior guard Sarah Hix (Broomfield, Colo.) at seven points, six boards.
 
NW Missouri State and Lindenwood visit the Health & Sports Center next week.