KEARNEY, Neb. – The Missouri Western women’s basketball team (9-9, 4-5 MIAA) trailed by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter Saturday at Nebraska-Kearney before chipping the deficit to just four in the final minute. However, UNK (12-7, 5-5 MIAA) made five of its final six free throws as the Griffons lost 62-53 on Saturday afternoon.

NOTABLES

• The Griffons had their most efficient-shooting quarter in the first at 46 percent, but the Lopers still held the 20-14 advantage.
• Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter, combining for 20 points and 22 percent shooting.
• The Lopers held their largest lead of the game at 15 points with under five minutes remaining in the third quarter.
• Brittany Atkins’ jumper capped off an 18-9 run to bring the Griffons within four points with 46 seconds to play.
• Nebraska Kearney called a timeout and made five of its final six free throws to halt the Griffon comeback.
• The Griffons’ ability to get to the free-throw line kept them in the game, setting a new season-high with 35 free-throw attempts.
• Missouri Western finished the game with a season-low 25 percent field-goal percentage.

LEADERS

• Melia Richardson led the Griffons in scoring with 11 points and also added three steals.
• Katrina Roenfeldt and Jessica Davies each scored 10 points.
• Atkins scored all seven of her points in the fourth quarter.
• Simone Walker set career-highs in points (9), made free-throws (7), and free-throw attempts (10).

UP NEXT

• Missouri Western Women’s Basketball returns home to take on Missouri Southern (11-9, 3-7 MIAA) on Jan. 31.
• The Lions have lost four-straight after falling to Emporia State on Saturday.

— MWSU Athletics —