Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team heads to Topeka Wednesday night to try and cool off the streaking Washburn Ichabods.

UNK's (10-5, 3-3) weird schedule this week has to do with Emporia State. Due to an arena issue, the Hornet/Loper game had to be moved from Saturday to Sunday afternoon. In turn, UNK's first game of the week was pushed from Thursday to Wednesday night, allowing the Lopers a chance to return home and prepare for the Hornets. Check the women's basketball schedule page for tip times and media links.

Washburn began 2-4 but has won eight in a row, six by 10 or more points. A stout defense ranks first in the MIAA in field goal percentage (34.8) and is second in points allowed (57.7). Leading the all-time series with UNK by a 27-12 margin, the 'Bods are led by guards Hunter Bentley (11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game) and Reagan Phelan (10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists pg).

The two teams split the season series last year with UNK's lone win in Topeka, since becoming an MIAA member, happening back in 2013-14.

Winners of five of six, the Lopers begin the week 36th  out of 302 D2 schools in scoring defense (58.2). UNK has held three league rivals under 65 points with the opposition connecting on only 29% of its three pointers. Kearney also is among the MIAA leaders in block (3.0) and steals (10.2) per game.

Six Lopers are averaging between 7.3-10.9 points per game. This balanced attack sees 66% of the points coming from seven true freshmen. That large and talented class includes post Brooke Carlson (10.7 ppg) and forwards Maegan Holt (8.2) and Shiloh McCool (8.1).

Emporia State (11-4, 2-3), which was ranked nationally when it beat the Lopers 72-64 back in December, hosts unbeaten Fort Hays State Wednesday night.