This was the Lopers (1-3) first win of the 2010-11 season and the first-ever win for head coach Kevin Chaney. He took over the program in May after spending 16 years as an assistant coach.
Playing UNK for the first time since 1997, the NAIA Broncos remain at 5-5 as this was an exhibition game for them.
Using a full court press throughout the night, the defensive pressure got to Hastings many times, including when they held a 7-2 lead about two minutes in. An 11-0 Loper run quickly erased the five-point deficit and featured three Bronco turnovers that directly led to six UNK points.
After this quick spurt, the Lopers never trailed again as they led 52-34 at the break, 67-40 seven minutes into the second half and by a 91-57 score at the 3:25 mark.
Kearney finished the night 35 of 62 (56.6 pct.) from the field, including a 7 of 14 effort from beyond the arc. They also sunk 21 of 25 freebies and forced 23 Broncos turnovers.
Thanks to 22 offensive rebounds, Hastings out boarded the Lopers by seven, 42-35. Shooting 37.9 percent (25 of 66) from the field, Hastings also struggled at the line, making only 15 of 27 shots (55.6 pct.).
Individually, four Lopers reached double digits, led by junior guard Debi Johnson (Elsie) with a team-high 19 and senior post Megan Becker (Beaver City) with 18. Johnson went 3 of 6 from behind the arc with Becker making 6 of 9 shots and also having a team-highs in rebounds (eight) and assists (five).
Also, junior wing Vanessa Leeper (Colo. Springs, Colo.) had 15 points and five rebounds and Loomis junior guard Tessa Kreutzer chipped in with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench.
For the Broncos, St. Libory native Alicia Statler (14 rebs., 11 pts.) had a double double with guard Sophia McDermott having 10 of her team-high 16 points after the break.
UNK hosts Western State and Mesa State next weekend to start league play. This is the first year the RMAC will play 22 conference games.
No comments:
Post a Comment