Kearney, Neb. – The fifth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team aims to remain unbeaten when its hosts Missouri Western State and Northwest Missouri State this weekend at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers (8-0) battle the Griffons (2-6) at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and then the Bearcats (3-3) Saturday at 2 p.m. These are the first games of the 2020-21 season where the general public can attend. Those not in attendance can catch the action via The MIAA Network or on KRVN radio (91.3 FM/106.9 FM). Live stats are available as well (NOT for the Missouri Western games). 
 
UNK has no player averaging in double figures but five are between 7.9-9.4 points per game with two more tallying 5.0 a night. The Lopers are plus seven on the glass, have a plus 0.5 turnover margin and limit the opponent to only 50 points an outing. UNK is nationally-ranked in several defensive categories including scoring (6th), three-point percentage defense (8th/20.7) and field goal percentage (13th/33.8).
 
No Loper foe has scored more than 56 points with Mo West coming in averaging 62.1 points per game and Northwest at 60.2. Last year Kearney had a scoring defense of 57.4 in posting a 26-6 mark. Individually South Dakota junior Klaire Kirsch pulled down 26 rebounds last week, pushing her career total to 516. With two more seasons to play the wing should be able to catch Heather Steffen's UNK career record of 906, set between 2001-04. Kirsch is at 9.6 rebounds per game and has the team's lone double double to date.
 
Next, super sub Elisa Backes (Salina, Kan.) has scored in double figures in four straight games. Averaging an even 12.0 during this stretch she ranks third on UNK in scoring (8.6) thanks to a team-best 18 made free throws. Finally, Iowa redshirt sophomore forward Shiloh McCool is coming off a productive weekend (17 points, seven rebounds and four assists). Despite averaging 15 minutes an appearance she is tied for second on the Lopers in o-boards (12).  
 
The Griffs have lost five in a row and are 1-3 away from St. Joe. No player is in double figures as Mo West is allowing 70 points and 18 made free throws per game. They have a plus one rebounding margin but a minus 2.6 turnover margin.
 
Five-seven freshman Camille Evans (8.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game) leads the way. Senior post Corbyn Cunningham (15.7 points & 8.3 rebounds pg in 2019-20) has yet to play. She earned 2020 first-team All-MIAA honors. UNK beat MWSU twice last year but still trails the all-time series, 24-19.
 
The Bearcats haven't played since an 80-50 road loss to Pittsburg State on January 2. They are 2-2 on the road and 1-1 in Maryville. UNK beat the 'Cats by 24 points last year to even the all-time series at seven.
 
Three average in double digits led by 5-9 freshman Molly Hartnett (14.9). She has made a team-best 14 freebies while shooting 49% from the field. Northwest is minus seven on the glass but allowing just 61.5 points per game.
 
Kearney heads to Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern State weekend.
 
UNK Women's Basketball Best Start to Season
1.            18-0       2000-01
2.            15-0       1997-98
3.            8-0         2020-21
               8-0         2017-18
4.            7-0         2019-20
5.            6-0         1982-83