Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Four players scored in double digits and the NW Missouri State women's basketball team used a key first half run to defeat Nebraska-Kearney, 71-52, Wednesday night at the Health & Sports Center.
 
UNK falls to 6-18 (3-14) while the Bearcats improve to 13-12 (7-10).
 
Thanks to some solid work on the offensive glass and getting out in transition, the Lopers held early leads of 16-15 and 18-17.  However, Northwest went on a 15-2 run that not only gave them a double digit lead but also helped them control the rest of the game.
 
The five minute stretch featured threes by Monique Stevens, Ashleigh Nelson and Meridee Scott. Northwest had only one other made triple in the contest.
 
Ahead 32-20, the 'Cats didn't allow UNK to get closer than eight points the rest of the way. The Lopers had a chance to cut the deficit to seven midway through the second half but missed two free throws. Stevens followed with a three to make it 51-39.
 
Shooting 57.4% (31 of 54) form the floor, Northwest had 20 assists on 31 made buckets. Six-three sophomore post Maggie Marnin had a game-high 19 points on 9 of 10 shooting. She also pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked four shots.
 
Also, freshman guard Tember Schechinger had 14 points and six rebounds with Stevens, a 5-3 junior from Australia, at 10 points and six assists.
 
UNK was paced by sophomore post Queen Ohamara (Lincoln), who had 12 points, six rebounds and three steals. Next, senior guard Ivy Jones (Vallejo, Calif.), still not at a 100 percent, came off the bench to have 10 points with junior guard Sarah Hix (Broomfield, Colo.) at eight points, five assists and four boards.
 
Lindenwood comes to town Friday night.