Box Score Kearney, Neb – The Northern State Wolves shot 57 percent from the field and had a plus 16 rebounding margin to beat Nebraska-Kearney, 71-45, Monday night at the Health & Sports Center.
 
The Wolves (4-0), a 2016 NCAA Tournament team currently sitting just outside the Top 25, helped head coach Curt Fredrickson reach a major milestone tonight. In his 37th season at NSU, he now has a career record of 800-293.
 
Northern led 15-3 after the first quarter and 35-13 at the break. While UNK (1-4) was outscored by just a 36-32 margin in the second half, they couldn't make a serious run at the Wolves.
 
The Lopers came in shooting 35% from the field and went 1 of 11 in the first quarter and 2 of 10 over the next 10 minutes. UNK finished 14 of 47 (29.8%) from the field, including 2 of 18 from behind the arc. At the line, Kearney sunk 15 of 26 shots.
 
"Our shooting has rattled us a little bit. We've lost some confidence," said Loper head coach Carrie Eighmey. "There's nothing wrong with our team. Our chemistry is good and our kids get along. Offensively, we're just struggling."
 
NSU was shooting close to 70% from the field in the second half and ended 29 of 51 (6 of 12 threes). The Wolves also were 7 of 10 at the line, were plus 22 in points in the paint and had 17 assists.
 
"They made some tough shots. They run a bunch of sets and you can't memorize them all," said Eighmey. "Defensively, we are playing with effort."
 
A balanced Northern attack saw starters Gabby Laimer (16) and Paige Waytashek (10) reach double digits, as did reserve Brianna Kusler (13). Six others were between four and eight points with post Miranda Ristau grabbing a game-high nine rebounds.
 
Lincoln freshman point guard Grace Barry came off the bench and made all four shots she attempted to score 10 points for the Lopers. Next, Kansas sophomore reserve post Jaymie Bernbeck had seven points and three boards with starting guard McKenzie Brown (G.I. Northwest) at a team-high 11 points.
 
UNK hosts Chadron State (0-1) on Saturday. The Eagles host Montana State-Billings on Friday afternoon.