Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team looks to keep its hot start going when it begins conference play this weekend at home against 19th-ranked Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern State.

These games were originally set for the weekend of December 14-16 but moved up two weeks due to UNK winter commencement. The Lopers and Gorillas meet Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and then the Lions come to down Saturday at 2 p.m. Check the UNK schedule page for media links.

By winning its first six games, UNK has tied the 1982-83 Lopers for the third best start in program history. The record of 18-0 was set in 2000-01 with the 1997-98 Lopers managing a 15-0 record.

Also one of six MIAA teams currently undefeated, Kearney has a plus 8.8 rebounding margin and a plus 2.2 turnover margin. The Lopers also are shooting 74% at the line and have attempted 69 more free throws than its opponent.

Showing off its depth, UNK has seen all 14 players on the roster take to the court with 12 averaging over 10 minutes per game. That balance rolls over to the offense where eight are between 5.5-13.8 points per game.

Individually, veterans Alyssa Frauendorfer (13.8), Michaela Barry (13.8) and McKenzie Brown (11.2) rank one, two and three in scoring with Brown first in rebounds (7.2), Barry leading in steals (10) and Frauendorfer tops in assists (17).

Since joining the MIAA with the 2012-13 season, UNK has given Pittsburg State some battles but lost all eight games. Last year, the Lopers fell in overtime in Kansas, 84-80. Kearney also lost the lone tilt with the Lions last winter, 79-66. The Lopers are 2-4 against MSSU since joining the league.

Next weekend, UNK heads to Emporia State and Washburn. 

# 19 Pittsburg State (6-0)
2016-17 Record: 25-6 (16-3); NCAA Tournament 2nd Round

2017-18 Notable Wins: 84-60 neutral site vs. Minnesota State; 73-61 at Regis; 60-50 at Colorado Mines

Players to Watch: Senior guard #15 Mikaela Burgess (14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds & 2.1 assists per game), junior wing #11 Shelby Lopez (10.7 points & 3.3 rebounds per game), junior forward #32 Madison Northcutt (9.2 points & 12.2 rebounds per game)

Team Numbers:  72.8 points per game, + 16.6 scoring margin, + 4.5 rebounding margin, + 3.6 turnover margin, 6.7 made threes per game, 60% at the line

Missouri Southern State (1-5)
2016-17 Record: 12-17 (7-12 MIAA)

2017-18 Notable Results: Lost to four Division II schools and one NAIA team; 75-60 home win over NAIA Ottawa

Players to Watch: Junior guard #15 Chelsey Henry (16.7 points, 3.2 rebounds & 1.9 assists per game), junior forward #21 Desirea Buerge (16.0 points & 7.5 rebounds per game), senior forward #31 Jenson Maydew (11.3 points & 8.7 rebounds per game)

Team Numbers:  66.3 points per game, -8.0 scoring margin, -6.0 rebounding margin, - 2.2 turnover margin, 40% from the field