Box Score

Bolivar, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist Women's Basketball team hosted the University of Nebraska Kearney in the second conference matchup of the season Saturday afternoon at the Meyer Sports Center. Both teams are headed into this game with a 0-1 record in conference. Strong and physical defense from the get go helped SBU jump out to the early lead (12-8) going into the first media timeout. The Bearcats kept a steady pace as they increased the lead to double digits and went into the half leading the Lopers 44-29. Well balanced offense and team play helped aid the Bearcats to their first conference win, beating UNK 85-66.

The SBU women started off the game countering the press defense from UNK with a fast pace 12-8 run in the first five minutes. The SBU women slowly increased the lead to 6 with 9:56 left in the first half. Dilonna Johnson guided the team into the half with 13 points at the halfway mark of the contest.

SBU went on a 9-2 run starting the second half, and SBU established a strong paint presence to counter UNK's post play. A strong rebounding performance from Brook Duncan with 11 at the 10:25 mark remaining in the game helped aid SBU to a commanding lead (62-46). The Bearcats closed the second half out to earn their first conference win and move to 1-1 in conference play.

Freshman Mackenzie Skupa brought the thunder to the Meyer Sports Center this afternoon as she posted a career and game high 22 points shooting 9-13 from the floor and 4-4 from the free throw line. Sophomore Brook Duncan contributed bringing down a game high 13 rebounds and scoring 11 points in a double-double performance. The Bearcats shot 52.2% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 75% from the free throw line.

"I thought we responded well from Thursday and grew as a team," head coach Todd Voss stated after the win. "We had solid contributions across the board. We were sloppy with the ball at times and need to clean that up. I liked our balance on offense with five in double figures. Our post players took a big step forward tonight on both ends of the court. Mack, Mo, and Emmons combined to give us good post production. Mack had the best game of her young career. Proud of our effort and excited for some practice time next week."

The Bearcats are back in action on Saturday December 14, as they host William Jewel at the Meyer Sports Center in a double header for the men and women basketball teams. The SBU women are set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. and the men will follow at 7:30 central standard time.