KEARNEY, Neb. (GoThunderWolves.com - Jan. 22, 2011) - With time running out on the shot clock, CSU-Pueblo guard Erica Hicks (Jr., Lakewood, Colo.) hit a huge 3-pointer to break the 68-68 tie, as the ThunderWolves outlasted the Lopers 71-68 Friday night on the road.
Lopers guard Debi Johnsons' contested shot fell short as time ticked away to secure the win for the Pack. The ThunderWolves now ride a three game win streak, all on the road, to improve their record to 11-6 overall and 8-5 in the conference.
The Pack used a huge first half, in which they scored 37 points, to pace the game. They needed a strong offensive effort to outlast the Lopers who scored 43 points in the second half.
The Pack shot the ball well going 22-46 (47.8%) from the field as four ThunderWolves ended the game with double digit scoring including a huge 17 points from forward Amanda Bartlett (Sr., Kiowa, Colo.) and 16 points from guard Kendall Babler (Jr., Rifle, Colo.).
Rachel Espinoza (Sr., Pueblo, Colo.) and Hicks each added 13 points to pace the Pack.
The ThunderWolves also used clutch free-throw, going 16-18 (88.9%) to help ice the game as Babler hit two huge free throws down the stretch to keep the 3-point lead for the Pack.
With their third straight win, the Pack now returns home for three games when they host New Mexico Highlands on Friday, January 28 with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m..
