Feb. 2, 2008

Box Score

KEARNEY, NEB. -- In a game that featured 11 lead changes, Nebraska-Kearney survived down the stretch and defeated Metro State, 87-82, in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference women's basketball game, Saturday afternoon at the UNK Health & Sports Center.

The win by the Lopers ended Metro State's nine-game winning streak dating back to December. The contest also featured 13 tie scores.

Alyssa Benson scored a career-high 18 points, while Ashley Mickens had 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Roadrunners. Amy Mathis posted 24 points and 10 rebounds for UNK.

Metro State trailed by just two with 2:13 to play but the Lopers answered with a trey and Metro State didn't get closer than three the rest of the way. Nebraska-Kearney held a 25-9 advantage at the free-throw line in the game.

The game was tied at the half, 41-41, after Metro State shot 55.9 percent from the floor.

With the win, Nebraska-Kearney improves to 18-5 overall, 11-2 in the RMAC, while Metro State falls to 14-7 overall, 10-3 in the RMAC. The Lopers now are in sole possession of first place in the RMAC's East Division.