Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The 25th-ranked Northern State Wolves used a late first half run to jump start its offense and went on to beat Nebraska Kearney, 61-45, Saturday night in Wayne.
 
On Friday, NSU beat MIAA-member NW Missouri State, 73-49.
 
It was a defensive struggle in the first half with UNK (0-2) holding a 14-10 lead at the 7:22 mark. At that point, both teams were shooting below 30% from the field.
 
Northern was the first team to warm up, closing the half on a 17-3 run that featured buckets by four different players. Guard Devon Brecke had only eight points overall but seven came during this key stretch.
 
The Wolves held a double digit lead throughout the second half with UNK going 5 of 10 from downtown to hang around. The Lopers, however, shot 29% (15 of 51) on the night and committed 17 turnovers.
 
NSU, shooting 35% (19 of 54) form the field, got 15 points and seven rebounds from center Sadie Stotesbery with forward Rachel Krogman at 10 points and eight rebounds. A very tall Wolves team finished with a plus 10 rebounding margin, 43-33, and had five blocks.
 
"They used their height advantage to score and we didn't shoot very well on the other end," said UNK coach Kevin Chaney. "We will learn from the losses this weekend and be better come Monday."
 
South Dakota sophomore forward Kelsey Fitzgerald had her third career double digit effort as she went 4 of 8 from the field and 3 of 4 at the line to score 11. She also had five defensive rebounds, two blocks and two assists.
 
In the backcourt, Arizona sophomore Alexa Hogberg had 10 points, three assists and two steals. Finally, senior post Amarah Williams (St. Louis, Mo.) had nine points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
 
UNK hosts the Midland Warriors (2-2) Monday night at 6:00 p.m.