Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Junior guard Michaela Barry scored 21 points to help Nebraska-Kearney hold off Northwest Missouri State, 69-64, Thursday night in Maryville.

This was the only meeting between the Lopers (5-11, 1-7) and Bearcats (6-10, 1-8) this season.

To avenge a loss to Northwest last season, UNK shot 48 percent from the field, its second highest effort of the season. That included a 7 of 15 effort from behind the arc as the Lopers almost led from start to finish.

Down by as many as 14 points, the 'Cats made a run in the fourth quarter, getting as close as 63-59 after a three from reserve Mallory Andrews with 1:56 to go. After a quick Loper shot, Northwest Missouri had a chance to make it even closer but a long jumper from starter Abrie Benson hit iron with 80 seconds left.

UNK secured its first league win by going 4 of 5 at the line in the final minute.

Barry (Norfolk Catholic H.S.) reached her second highest point total as a Loper by going 7 of 15 from the field. That included a season-best 4 of 6 effort from long range and she also added seven boards, three steals, a block and assist.

Next, Arizona senior point guard Alexa Hogberg went for a season-high 18 points on 6 of 11 (1 of 4 threes) shooting. Also having six times, the point total is just three shy of her career best effort. Finally, Grand Island junior McKenzie Brown had 12 points thanks to two three pointers.

Defensively, the Lopers limited Northwest's top two scorers – Tanya Meyer and Jasmin Howe – to a combined 3 of 20 effort from the field. The pair came in averaging 34 points per game; they tallied just 13 tonight. Benson (12) and fellow starter Maria Dentlinger (15) tried to pick up the slack.

UNK is at Missouri Western State on Saturday. The Griffons (13-5, 5-4) upset 25^th-ranked Fort Hays State tonight, 65-51.