ThunderWolves see 15-point lead disappear in loss.

KEARNEY, Neb. (GoThunderWolves.com - Feb. 17, 2012) - Anything can happen in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and that was proven Friday night as CSU-Pueblo saw a sure win evaporate at Nebraska-Kearney, falling 99-89 in double-overtime to the Lopers.

CSU-Pueblo absolutely dominated in the first half, leading by as much as 15 and seemingly going into cruise control en route to a win.  Led by Laurel Kearsley (Jr., Victor, Idaho), who had 19 first half points, CSU-Pueblo built a 39-24 lead near the end of the first half.

But the end of the first half was a harbinger of things to come as the Lopers hit two three-pointers to close the half, cutting the CSU-Pueblo lead to 39-30 at halftime.

It set up a methodical comeback by the Lopers as they slowly cut the Pack's lead down the stretch. 

The play of the game came with 0.7 seconds remaining in regulation, when a foul on a rebound by Erica Hicks (Jr., Lakewood, Colo.) as the ThunderWolves held a 72-70 lead gave the Lopers new life, setting up free throws which Vanessa Leeper Jones promptly sank, sending the game into overtime with a 72-72 score.

CSU-Pueblo had to battle as they completely lost momentum, relying on a Taylor Fox (So., Santa Catalina, Calif.) layup as time expired in the first overtime with the game tied at 84-84.

But in the second overtime, CSU-Pueblo simply couldn't hold the Lopers off any longer as the Pack's shots were falling and fouls and turnovers were plentiful.  The Lopers started the second overtime on a 7-2 run, setting up their upset win.

CSU-Pueblo, suffering their first loss to a team with a losing record this season, falling to 18-5 on the season and sinking the Pack's slim chances for a regular season conference championship. 

The ThunderWolves will look to rebound Saturday when it travels to Chadron State.