February 26, 2004

Strong Second Half Propels Women

Modlin, Steffen Record Double Doubles

            Kearney, NE – The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team, with four players scoring in double figures, out scored Chadron State 54-37 in the second half to win, 90-76, Thursday night in Chadron.

            UNK (21-5) improves to 15-3 in league play and is in contention to win its seventh league title. The Eagles (7-18) fall to 7-11 in the RMAC.

            Iowa sophomore center Kalee Modlin had 23 points and 13 rebounds, along with four assists, to lead the Lopers. It was Modlin's fifth double double of the year and her fourth straight game over 20 points.

            With senior Allison Kruger missing the entire second half due to illness, North Platte sophomore Anne Manning picked up the slack as she had 22 points and eight rebounds, including six offensive caroms, off the bench. Manning's point total was just one off her career high, set in January vs. Colo.-Colo. Springs.

            Also, West Point senior Heather Steffen played all 40 minutes and had her fourth double double of the year (12 points, 12 rebounds) while Fairfield junior Taryn Ninemire, continuing a recent hot streak, had 14 points and six assists.

            UNK out rebounded the Eagles, 50-25, including an 18-6 advantage in offensive end. The Lopers also sunk 28 of 34 free throws while Chadron attempted just 18 free shots. 

            The Lopers sunk 16 of 20 free throws in the first half to trail by just three at the break, 39-36. UNK made 11 of its last 17 field goals in the second half (64.7 percent) to pull away from Chadron.

            Three Eagles were in double figures, led by guard Dwan Hereford with 18.

            UNK ends the regular season Saturday at Metro State.