Feb. 15, 2008

Box Score

DENVER, COLO. - Jade Meads posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds to lead Nebraska-Kearney to a 63-58 victory over Metro State in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference women's basketball game, Friday evening at the Auraria Events Center.

Despite her 5-foot-9 stature, Meads had 10 offensive rebounds and several putbacks. She also added four assists, a block and a steal in 37 minutes. Amy Mathis also had 16 points for the Lopers, while Ashley Mickens led Metro State with 13 points and 12 boards.

Metro State led 46-43 with just over eight minutes to play but the Lopers went on a 10-2 run to take a 53-48 advantage with 5:40 remaining. The Roadrunners converted an unusual four-point play on a made basket by Anne-Marie Torp and two free throws by Mickens to close to within two, 58-56, with 2:28 to go. The margin was still two, 60-58, with 1:07 left, but the Roadrunners missed a trey and UNK hit 1-for-2 from the line to lead, 61-58. After calling a timeout, Metro State had the ball with 11.9 seconds left but Stephanie Sauter missed another three and the Lopers closed it out with two more free throws.

Nebraska-Kearney won the game despite shooting 34.9 percent from the floor in the game, thanks in part to an 18-7 advantage at the free-throw line. Metro State was only 7-for-16 from the charity stripe, including 0-for-3 in the first half. The Lopers also held a 49-32 rebounding advantage, which included 19 offensive boards and a 19-2 edge on second-chance points.

Metro State led 25-20 with 4:04 to go in the first half but the Roadrunners would not score again in the period as the Lopers scored seven straight points to end the stanza and take a 27-25 halftime advantage. The Lopers shot 31 percent from the floor in the first half but Metro State committed 11 turnovers.

Nebraska-Kearney has won five of the past six meetings in the series.

With the win, Nebraska-Kearney improves to 21-5 overall, 14-2 in the RMAC, while Metro State falls to 15-9 overall, 11-5 in the RMAC. The Roadrunners host Chadron State, tomorrow evening at 5 p.m.