Leeper Had Career Night as Lopers Edge Western, 85-82

Kearney, Neb. - Junior wing Vanessa Leeper had a double double, and junior guard Debi Johnson scored seven straight points down the stretch, to help Nebraska-Kearney edge Western State, 85-82, Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

This was the RMAC opener for both teams. UNK (2-3) snaps a two-game losing streak to the Mountaineers (2-3) and now leads the all-time series between the two, 19-2.

In a fast paced game, both teams battled fouled trouble as there were a combined 45 fouls called, leading to 52 free throws. Not surprisingly, UNK had better luck at the line, making 14 of 17 shots (82.4 pct.) while Western went 20 of 35 (57.1 pct.).  Over the first four games, UNK ranked second in the league in free throw shooting (74.0 pct.) with the 'Neers shooting only 61.2 percent.

Leading most of the first half, the Lopers found themselves down eight midway through the second half. UNK remained behind with four minutes to go after Western's Natalie Giese rebounded a missed free throw and made a layup to make it a 79-77 score.

That's when Johnson (Elsie) took over, hitting a three with 3:33 left to put the Lopers ahead for good. She followed the triple with a steal and layup and two made free throws to put UNK ahead by five, 84-79, with 55 seconds left.

After Loper freshman Nicole Arp (Kearney H.S.) made one of two free throws with 15 seconds remaining, Western had a chance to force overtime. However, three point shots by Nikki Trujillo and Brooke Pendergraft were both off the mark.

With UNK post Megan Becker (Southern Valley H.S.) playing only 14 minutes due to foul trouble, Western had its way inside, pulling down 52 rebounds, including 25 on the offensive end. However, they didn't make many put backs, shooting only 37.3 percent (28 of 75) from the field.

Mean while, the Lopers shot a solid 48.4 pct. (31 of 64) from the floor, including a 9 of 16 (56.3 pct.) effort from beyond the arc. Johnson, tallying 18 points, did most of the long range damage, making 4 of 5 shots.

Playing her best game in a Kearney uniform, Leeper (Colorado Springs) had 21 points, 14 rebounds (11 defensive), three assists and three blocks before fouling out late. Both her point and rebound totals are new career-highs with this being her second carer double double.

Also for the Lopers, Becker played around four fouls to finish with 14 points on 6 of 10 shooting. Finally, Minden junior Lea Ann Jameson had 10 points and four boards in 21 minutes off the bench.

Western also had a balanced attack with four reaching double figures. Pendergraft had a team-high 15 points and seven rebounds with post Katie Hall (14 pts., 10 rebs.) recording a double double.

UNK hosts Mesa State Saturday night.