Box Score

OMAHA, Neb. - Behind a career-high 24 points from #Jessica Zaruba#, the UNO women's basketball team ran away from Lincoln University in its first MIAA win, a 76-62 decision on Saturday evening at Sapp Fieldhouse.

The Mavericks improved to 4-5 overall and 1-4 in MIAA play. The Blue Tigers dropped to 1-8 overall and 0-5 in league play.

Zaruba led three Mavs in double-figures, as #Heather Pohl scored 18 and Paige Frauendorfer# chipped in 16.

Zaruba's big game began right at the opening tip, as she grabbed a loose ball and raced to the hoop for a lay-up just two seconds into the game. She then grabbed a defensive rebound and found Frauendorfer on the wing for a 3-pointer and a 5-0 lead.

Lincoln took a 14-11 lead, however, with 14:12 left in the first half. But #Jordan Spencer# came off the bench and converted an old-fashioned three-point play, and after two Vivian Essuon free throws for Lincoln, Pohl hit a 3-pointer for a 17-16 lead, and the Blue Tigers would never lead again. UNO closed the first half on an 18-4 run to take a 38-22 lead into the locker room. Zaruba had eight points and made three steals that led to baskets in the final 4:13 of the half.

After the break, UNO bolted to a 51-27 lead, capping a 31-9 run spanning both halves. The Mavs appeared to be in control, but the Blue Tigers didn't fold.

Bria Dillard scored six straight points for Lincoln, TeAira Epps hit a 3-pointer, and Essuon scored seven in a row, as Lincoln used a 16-0 run to creep back within 51-43 with 10:59 left. Pohl hit a 3-pointer to end the run, and UNO extended the lead back to 15 at 63-48 with 6:08 to play. 

Essuon, who came in averaging 12.5 points per game, led all scorers with a career-high 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. She scored 19 of her points in the second half.

UNO forced 26 Lincoln turnovers and held a decisive advantage in points off turnovers, 30-10. #Jamie Nash# led the effort with five steals, while Zaruba added three of her own.

The Mavericks are off for semester break and don't return to action until Sunday, Jan. 2, at Missouri Western.