Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney basketball teams are back in action tonight as they invade White Auditorium in Emporia, Kans., to face the Emporia State Hornets.

As usual, tip time is at 5:30 p.m. (women) and 7:30 p.m. (men). The doubleheaders can be heard on KGFW AM 1340 and available (for purchase) on America One. Live stat links are available on the UNK schedule page.

When E-State came to the Health & Sports Center on February 1st, both teams went down to the wire.

On the women's side, the 7th-ranked Hornets (23-2, 14-2) needed 28 points from star guard Laura Patrick and 22 bench points to slip past the Lopers (8-14, 4-11), 84-75.

The Kearney men (12-10, 8-7) fared better, winning 66-65, as they hit two threes in the final minute and watched the Hornets (15-11, 8-8) miss two potential shots in the closing seconds.

One of those threes was blocked by senior post Mike Dentlinger (Millard North).

Currently sixth in the MIAA standings, UNK needs to continue to win if it wants to host an MIAA Tournament first round game on Tuesday, March 4th. The top four teams receive a first round bye with seeds five through eight hosting seeds six through 12.

During its seven-game streak, the Lopers are scoring 84 points per night and have reached 90 in each of the last three games. To put up these numbers, UNK's is averaging 23 made free throws a night while, on the flip side, allowing the opposition to attempt only 19.

Junior reserve Tyler Shields (84.2%) leads the team at the line with two others over 80% and three others between 70-79%.
Emporia has lost five six, the lone win being a 73-65 home decision over Northeastern State
 
Having a 10-2 home mark, the Hornets lead the MIAA in both field goal percentage defense (41.7%) and three-point percentage defense (33.1%).
 
Six-four senior guard Kaleb Wright had 16 points and five assists in the setback in Kearney. For the year, he is at 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
 
Lefty Terrence Moore (15.8, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists) has similar numbers with the hulking Paul Bunch (6-11, 250 lbs.) blocking 72 shots and averaging 10.3 points a night.

On the women's side, UNK is tied for 12th in the league standings with Missouri Western State. However, the Griffons beat the Lopers, 55-46, in the only matchup between the two this winter. Southwest Baptist (5-10) is not too far ahead in 10th place.  

To hang with the Hornets in Kearney, UNK got career-high point totals from both sophomore Laramey Lewis (24) and junior Amarah Williams (23). The Lopers also had a plus six rebounding margin over a squad that has a plus 11 advantage most nights.

Williams (12.8) and senior Shelby Zimmerman (12.5) are battling for the team scoring lead with senior point Nicole Arp (Kearney H.S.) about to join the UNK single season top 10 assist list.

Having 111 dimes to date, she should pass Taryn Ninemire (114/2003-04) and Tami Tully (115/1994-95) on Wednesday to move into ninth place.

A perfect 13-0 at home, Emporia has won five in a row after a 66-45 thrashing of UCO in Edmond on Saturday.
 
Patrick is averaging a team-best 14.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game with 65 made 3's.  Six-three junior post Merissa Quick (11.7) is the only other Hornet in double digits; she also has blocked 68 shots and averages a team-best 7.1 rebounds per game.

UNK stays on the road to face Fort Hays State Saturday afternoon.