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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Trinity Law
FHSU Athletics
77
Winner Neb.-Kearney UNK 24-7,17-5 Mid-America Intercollegiate
70
Minn. Duluth UMD 24-5,19-2 NSIC
Winner
Neb.-Kearney UNK
24-7,17-5 Mid-America Intercollegiate
77
Final
70
Minn. Duluth UMD
24-5,19-2 NSIC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Neb.-Kearney UNK 17 15 21 24 77
Minn. Duluth UMD 12 14 22 22 70

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History

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

UNK Stops UMD's 16-Game Win Streak, 77-70; MWSU or SWOSU Up Saturday

Kearney, Neb. – Junior guard Trinity Law scored a game-high 21 points and Nebraska-Kearney was plus 10 on the glass to beat 12th-ranked Minnesota-Duluth, 77-70, in an NCAA Tournament first round game Friday afternoon in Hays, Kan.

The sixth-seeded Lopers (24-7) stop a 16-game win streak for the Bulldogs (24-5) who came in as the third-seed in the Central Regional. UNK faces the winner of Southwestern Oklahoma State (29-4) and MIAA-member Missouri Western State (21-9) Saturday at five. SWOSU and MWSU plays the second game on Thursday. Check the regional web page for the complete schedule, media links and press conference videos.

To record its eighth all-time NCAA win and beat Duluth in this tourney for a second straight year, UNK got off to a fast start, had 39-29 rebounding margin, limited the 'Sarah schmittDawgs stars and got a big effort from Law (Brandon, SD). She was 7 of 15 from the field (2 of 6 3's), drew eight fouls, sunk five free throws and grabbed two of UNK's nine o-boards. 

"I'm really proud of our kids. That was a tough game and a lot of credit to Minnesota-Duluth. We have a ton of respect for their program and, honestly, we feel like we're playing ourselves when we play them," said UNK head coach Carrie Eighmey. "They've got a couple of good forwards, their guards are super solid, they are disciplined and not easy to score on."   

Last year 6-2 posts Brooke Olson and Sarah Grow combined for 44 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks. Today the Lopers limited them to a combined 6 of 24 from the field with Olson, a three-time NSIC North Division P.O.Y., knocking down three treys to score most of her 11. Duluth did get scoring from six others, led by starting guard Anna Simonet (15).

The Lopers led for 34 minutes and jetted out to first half leads of 4-0, 14-8 and 32-22. UMD had six first half turnovers but made 11 of 24 shots and closed the second quarter strong. They then hit four triples in the third to grab three brief leads. UNK went on a 13-7 run to end the third, getting four straight from Law. Kearney never trailed again as Duluth went cold (6 of 17) over the final 10 minutes

"From start to finish our defense was phenomenal. Offensively we had some great stretches in both halves, "said Eighmey. "The start was really important and one of the things we talked about. Being disruptive defensively and trying to get deflections and ball pressure. We were able to disrupt their post touches and forced some turnovers. Offensively we knew exactly what we were trying to get and going right to that."

Fittingly a Law three from the corner made 67-54 with 3:54 remaining, UNK's biggest lead of the game. Right before, a Duluth turnover led to a nice give-and-go layup from guard Haley Simental (Pueblo West, Colo.) to wing Klaire Kirsch (Rapid City, SD). The 'Dawgs made things as bit interesting down the stretch, however, the Lopers went 13 of 20 at the line in the fourth. They had two chances to make it a one-possession game but missed two threes.

"The last two minutes felt like forever but we were able to execute well enough down the stretch to win the game," said Eighmey. "We didn't get quality post touches in the MIAA Tournament semifinal loss. Our forwards are way too good to not have opportunities to score."

Kirsch had her 17th career double double (16 rebounds and 10 points) and her second straight against Duluth. The 16 boards tie a career-high with Law falling two points shy of her career-best. Next, post Brooke Carlson (Elkhorn) had 13 points and six rebounds (four offensive) with reserve guard Sarah Schmitt (Swisher, Ia.) attacking the basket like Law to end with nine points and six fouls drawn. Finally, UNK out shot UMD by 47-43% margin.

"Trinity is extremely explosive and hard to keep in front. She is almost shockingly difficult for defenses trying to close her out," said Eighmey. "Trin was really good today. Getting to the rim, creating for other people and caused a lot of problems for their defense.
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Brooke Carlson

#45 Brooke Carlson

C
6' 1"
Sophomore
Klaire Kirsch

#20 Klaire Kirsch

G/F
5' 11"
Sophomore
Haley Simental

#10 Haley Simental

G
5' 8"
Graduate Student
Trinity Law

#23 Trinity Law

G
5' 9"
Freshman
Sarah Schmitt

#3 Sarah Schmitt

G
5' 8"
Redshirt Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Brooke Carlson

#45 Brooke Carlson

6' 1"
Sophomore
C
Klaire Kirsch

#20 Klaire Kirsch

5' 11"
Sophomore
G/F
Haley Simental

#10 Haley Simental

5' 8"
Graduate Student
G
Trinity Law

#23 Trinity Law

5' 9"
Freshman
G
Sarah Schmitt

#3 Sarah Schmitt

5' 8"
Redshirt Sophomore
G