Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Fort Hays State Tigers got 20 bench points and used a big second quarter to hold off Nebraska-Kearney, 57-51, Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.
This was the only game of the week for both Hays (14-2, 5-2) and the Lopers.
UNK outscored the rival Tigers in the second half, 38-31, and in three of the four quarters. However, Kearney committed seven of its 16 turnovers and went 1 of 8 from the field in the second 10 minutes to get outscored 18-2.
This marks the fifth time in seven MIAA games the Lopers (4-11, 0-7) have had a single point quarter in the first half.
"Our struggles in the second quarter came from our own impatience. We have to be more patient, move the ball and make sure we're getting great shots, especially when we're not getting stops on the other end," said Loper head coach
Carrie Eighmey. "
Junior guard
Michaela Barry (Battle Creek) scored all of her game-high 15 points in the second half to help the Lopers make a run. Her layup made it 49-43 with 1:28 to go but Hays responded with a quick three.
UNK's last gasp came with 22 seconds remaining when senior point guard
Alexa Hogberg (Chandler, Ariz.) nailed a triple of her own, cutting the deficit to 54-49. But, the Tigers went 3 of 4 at the line to secure its 12th straight win over the Lopers.
"In this conference, we feel like 65 points is the magic number and we held them to 57 tonight," said Eighmey.
The Tigers tallied 21 of its points off those 16 Kearney turnovers and had 12 second chance from 11 offensive caroms. A balanced attack saw nine Hays players in the scoring column, led by reserve guard Carly Heim (12) and starter Kacey Kennett (11).
Beatrice native and senior wing Jill Faxon (nine points & seven rebounds) also got close to a double double.
Barry reached her total by going 5 of 11 (2 of 6 threes) from the field and 3 of 4 at the line. Hogberg added 13 points, three boards (two offensive), two assists and a steal with Dannebrog senior wing
Courtney Aitken (eight points & seven boards) close to a double double.
UNK is off until next Thursday night when they are at NW Missouri State (5-9, 0-7).
