KEARNEY, Neb. — Elisa Backes led five University of Nebraska-Kearney players in double figures as the Lopers posted a 70-55 victory over the Pittsburg State University women's basketball team Thursday (Jan. 5).
 
Pitt State (10-4, 5-3 MIAA) led, 19-10, midway through the first quarter, but No. 22 ranked UNK (14-3, 7-2 MIAA) scored the next 10 points; and the Lopers built a 34-26 halftime advantage by limiting the Gorillas to seven second-quarter points.
 
Pitt State, which struggled from the perimeter making just four of 32 3-point field goals in the contest, never got any closer than six points of UNK in the second half.
 
Karenna Gerber posted her sixth double-double of the season with a team-leading 15 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Gorillas. Tristan Gegg (14) and Grace Pyle (12) also finished in double figures.
 
Backes paced the Lopers with 17 points, while Sarah Schmitt and Trinity Law added 12 points apiece. Klaire Kirsch posted a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
 
Pitt State will wrap up a three-game road swing Saturday (Jan. 7) by traveling to Hays, Kan., to battle Fort Hays State University at 2 p.m. (CST) at Gross Memorial Coliseum.