Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Four players scored in double figures and Central Missouri got out to a big early lead to beat Nebraska-Kearney, 73-58, Saturday afternoon at the Health & Sports Center.

The Jennies (11-2, 4-2) win for the 11th time in its last 12 games while the Lopers fall to 4-10 (0-6).

UNK outscored UCM 54-51 over the final three quarters. However, the Jennies led 22-4 after first 10 minutes as the Lopers went 1 of 10 from the field and committed six of its 11 turnovers. Two days ago in a loss to Southwest Baptist, UNK fell behind 14-5 in the early going.

"We did have a bad start. Their size bothered us defensively; we knew they were going to post us up and we let them get good shots at the rim early on," said Loper head coach Carrie Eighmey. "We got that fixed but offensively we didn't make some open shots, especially in the first quarter."

Making 53 percent (26 of 50) of its shots, including a 7 of 14 effort from behind the arc, the Jennies never led its lead get smaller than 12 points. While UNK tallied 13 points off of 14 turnovers, the Lopers finished the night shooting 38 percent (21 of 56).

"To be successful in the MIAA, you've got to put together 40 really solid minutes. Our third quarters have been pretty decent but our first halves have not been very good," said Eighmey. "We dig ourselves holes that aren't easy to get out of."

Junior post Kayonna Lee paced the Jennies with a double double (17 points & 14 rebounds) with fellow starter Megan Skaggs making 8 of 13 shots to also score 17. Next, reserve Sydney Crockett hit three threes to tally 13 points in 22 minutes.

Grabbing 10 offensive boards, the Lopers saw junior guard McKenzie Brown (G.I. Northwest) hit three triples to tally a team-high 18. Going 5 of 5 at the line, Brown had 12 second half points.

Also along the perimeter, junior Michaela Barry (Norfolk Catholic) had 13 points, four steals and three assists. Inside, Kansas sophomore reserve post Jaymie Bernbeck got close to a double double (eight rebounds & five points) in just 22 minutes.

Kearney takes on rival Fort Hays State (13-2, 4-2) Thursday night. That is the Lopers lone game of the week and will complete a six-game home stand.