Lady Blues snap nation's longest streak to win UNK Classic

Nov. 24, 2001

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After watching a 12-point lead in the second half slip by, the Washburn Lady Blues rallied from five points down in the final 44 seconds to beat host Nebraska-Kearney to win the UNK Thanksgiving Classic. Crystal Walker hit a layup with 2.5 seconds left on a set in bounds play to secure the 46-45 victory.

WashburnÍs victory snapped an 87-game home court winning streak for the Lopers, which was the longest in NCAA Division II history. The loss was the first at home for UNK since a 79-71 defeat against Northern State on Jan. 27, 1995.

After leading nearly the entire contest, Washburn watched its lead slip away when Nebraska-KearneyÍs Beth Swift made a layup to make it 40-38 with 4:52 to play. The Lopers rallied to take a 45-40 lead with 44 seconds left and looked to preserve the streak.

Carissa Goeglein pulled Washburn within 45-42 on a layup with 27 seconds left, before Kristy Chapman pulled Washburn within a point after a missed UNK free throw. The Lady Blues tied up the in bounds pass and took the ball on the alternate possession, setting up WalkerÍs game winning layup.

Walker, the tournament MVP, led the way with 15 points . Goeglein also made the all-tournament team after netting eight points on the night.

Washburn topped Bemidji State 72-55 in the opener Friday night. Walker had two career highs with 25 points and 13 rebounds to net her third straight double-double.

All Classic Team

Crystal Walker, Washburn - MVP; Carissa Goeglein, Washburn; Crystal Jones, Bemidji State; Brooke Placke, Peru State; Dawn Schreiber, Nebraska-Kearney; Heather Steffen, Nebraska-Kearney.