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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Corbey R. Dorsey
69
Winner Nebraska-Kearney UNKWBB 15-10, 8-8
64
Northeastern State NSUW 6-19, 3-13
Winner
Nebraska-Kearney UNKWBB
15-10, 8-8
69
Final
64
Northeastern State NSUW
6-19, 3-13
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Nebraska-Kearney UNKWBB 13 23 12 21 69
Northeastern State NSUW 4 14 25 21 64

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

UNK Holds Off the RiverHawks to Secure K.C. Trip

Kearney, Neb. – Four players scored in double figures and Nebraska-Kearney made 24 of 27 free throws to hold off Northeastern State, 69-64, Thursday evening Tahlequah, Okla.

The Lopers (15-10, 8-8) are now in sole possession of seventh place in the MIAA after Missouri Western State (12-13, 7-9) lost at Southwest Baptist, 82-68. UNK also secures a spot in the 10-team MIAA Tournament March 6-9 in Kansas City.

"It's a big time accomplishment to make it to K.C. This team is dangerous especially with the experience we've gained throughout the year," said Loper assistant coach Devin Eighmey. "I'm happy they'll get to experience Kansas City and the environment of the MIAA Tournament."

Earlier this year in a 80-72 win over the NSU RiverHawks (6-19, 3-13), UNK got out to a 29-point second half lead only to see it whittled down to two by the fourth quarter. The Lopers hit 20 of 26 free throws to get out of that game alive.

Tonight Kearney never trailed and led by as many as 19 points in the second half. The 'Hawks used a couple of small runs to get the deficit down to five by the start of the fourth quarter but the Lopers responded by making 6 of 10 shots and going 9 of 9 at the line in the final 10 minutes.

"This has now happened twice against them. Coming out there in the third (ahead 36-18) we got a shot that we liked but missed and then turned it over. They come down and got a bucket and then hit a three," said Eighmey. "The lead kept getting smaller, they pressed and we got into some foul trouble. That's what teams do … they make runs and you have to be able to weather them."

Coming off a 13 of 13 effort at the line in a loss to Lindenwood last Saturday, UNK saw five different players sink at least two freebies tonight. Kansas freshman reserve forward Elisa Backes did the most damage (9 of 12) with Iowa freshman forward Shiloh McCool going 6 of 6. She has now made her last 15 free throws.

Iowa freshman forward Maegan Holt continued her recent hot streak by tallying a game-high 17 points on 6 of 9 (2 of 3 threes) shooting. She also pulled down seven boards to help UNK finish with a plus six margin on the glass. Next, Backes and McCool had 14 apiece with Elkhorn freshman post Brooke Carlson tallying 10 over 28 minutes. She was popped in the throat setting a screen, one of several plays the officials video reviewed in a game that lasted well over two hours.

Finally, South Dakota freshman guard Klaire Kirsch had another all-around effort (team-high eight rebounds, five points, three assists, two blocks and a steal.

"We lost a heartbreaker last Saturday and I thought we came back and gave great effort tonight. We were locked in at shoot around," said Eighmey. "Our ability to hit free throws was a big part at the end and I thought our defense and attention to detail was really good."

Going 20 of 53 from the field (38 percent), NSU saw starting guard Cenia Hayes have 16 points, seven boards and four steals with reserve Megan Lee at 15 points, three assists. Finally, starting post Joi Bertrand blocked seven shots and had 11 points.

UNK heads to Central Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The Bronchos (15-11, 6-10) got blasted by No. 4 Fort Hays State tonight, 70-48.
 
 
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