KEARNEY, Neb. -- Washburn bounced back from a late loss two nights prior and pulled away late to defeat Nebraska Kearney 76-65 on the road Saturday afternoon. The Ichabods have a week off before facing off with Central Missouri in Warrensburg next Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.  

It was a quick start offensively for Washburn (15-6, 8-4 MIAA) as they led 8-3 after a basket by Gabi Giovannetti at the 7:18 mark in the first. The Lopers (11-12, 4-8 MIAA) tied it up by the Ichabod offense shot 50.0% in the opening frame to build an 18-14 lead.  

The first of three triples for Madelyn Amekporfor pushed the lead to seven to open the scoring in the second. Nebraska Kearney chipped away before tying the game up at 28. They scored five in a row to go in front 37-35. Washburn and Brooke Gomez scored the final three points of the half, with Gomez knocking down a shot as the game went to halftime leading 38-37. 

Both sides traded baskets for much of the third quarter while the Ichabods remained in front the whole way. They created separation with the final four points coming from Gomez and Britany Kogbara to lead 57-52 heading into the fourth.  

The Lopers made a run early in the fourth, tying the game at 59 with a 3-pointer at the 7:28 mark. Washburn re-gained the lead but it was cut back down to one. The Ichabods responded with an 8-0 run to lead by nine after Kellyn Hunter scored a driving layup with 2:16 left. Payton Sterk put the game away with four free throws in the final minute to finish off the 76-65 win.  

Washburn shot a season-high 52.1% from the field along with an efficient 5-12 from three-point range and 21-24 at the line. They held the Lopers to 37.1% shooting while the home squad did shoot 41.7% from deep with 10 makes.  

The rebounding battle was won by the Ichabods 34-29, helping to generate a 34-22 advantage in paint scoring. Nebraska Kearney turned the ball over four less times but Washburn scored seven more points off giveaways.  

Madelyn Amekporfor led a balanced effort scoring with 13 points along with four rebounds. Britany Kogbara had 12 on 4-5 shooting with four blocks while Aniah Wayne scored 11. Four other players had at least eight points in the game.  

Myleigh Weers led the Lopers with 22 points while adding three assists.