Kearney, Neb. – Four starters scored in double figures to help Nebraska-Kearney hold off Lincoln, 72-58, Saturday afternoon in Jefferson City, Mo.

The Lopers (16-3, 8-3) win for the eighth time in the last nine outings while the Blue Tigers (3-17, 0-12) remain winless in league play.

Despite a balanced attack, UNK once again had a game that went deep into the fourth quarter. Lincoln scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to cut into a 52-42 lead. However, a three from Battle Creek senior Michaela Barry pushed the Loper lead back to five. Three minutes later, Grand Island senior McKenzie Brown nailed a triple to make it 62-58 with 4:15 to play.

Lincoln, seeing eight different players score between four and 11 points, didn't score again as the Lopers closed on a 13-0 run. The spurt featured 10 consecutive made free throws and the Blue Tigers going 0 of 6 from the field with four turnovers.

Barry once again led Kearney by scoring a game-high 24 points. She went 9 of 17 (4 of 9 threes) from the field and 2 of 2 at the line. Playing a team-high 37 minutes, Barry also had four defensive rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals.

Brown (15 points and 11 rebounds) had her third career double double with Humphrey graduate transfer Alyssa Frauendorfer at 11 points, five boards and two steals. Finally, Crofton freshman Kelsey Sanger continued a great weekend by going 6 of 7 from the floor to score 14.

Now 2-7 in Jeff City, the Blue Tigers were led by starter Bre Coleman (13 rebounds and eight points) and reserve Charnai Anderson (11 points in 15 minutes).

UNK hosts Washburn and nationally-ranked Emporia State next weekend.