OMAHA – The “Benson Five” became the “Benson Four” in the final moments, as late foul shots by Tatum Rusher controlled the final quarter allowing Kearney to earn their tenth win on the season 46-44 Saturday afternoon. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
Kearney entered Saturday’s contest coming off a loss the night prior to Lincoln North Star, as the Navigators controlled the final minutes of the game to move past the Bearcats. Kearney aimed to overcome their loss the night prior, but faced a tough task in Omaha for a 1 PM tip.
Omaha Benson had become one of the feel-good stories of the year across the state of Nebraska; having started the season with only seven players – eventually losing two to injuries – Benson had rolled in the past few contests with only five active varsity players, being dubbed the “Benson Five.”
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As the contest started, Kearney allowed Benson to control the game early as the Bunnies found inside looks to outside shots, giving Ahmani Klabunde the first triple of the contest. Zakiyyah Muhammed added five points on her own with inside play, but the Bearcats woke up offensively later in the quarter. Tatum Rusher crushed two three-pointers while Kiara Dutenhoffer added three points of her own, while Maddy Province worked inside of the zone for two scores. The Bearcats led out of the first quarter up 17-8.
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Kearney continued their lead after a tied second quarter as both teams added nine points each – Benson with Lelani Carter adding a three pointer and a foul shot while Klabunde added her own three points. Rusher knocked in another three pointer, and Harley Straka, Addy Helmbrecht, and Haidyn Skeen all contributed scores with Kearney leading 26-17 at halftime.
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The third quarter proved nearly fatal for the Bearcats, as Benson exploded on a 22-7 run. Carter erupted for 12 more points, while Muhammed gobbled up rebounds and extra opportunities for seven more points. Kearney was stifled offensively, however Rusher connected another three pointer to keep pace but ultimately the Bearcats trailed 39-33 entering the fourth quarter.
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After giving up a quick score, the Bearcats zoned in defensively not allowing easy buckets inside for Benson. While their offense continued to struggle, the transition game proved to side with Kearney as more fouls racked up against the Bunnies. Carter fouled out of the contest, leaving Benson with only four players – and giving Rusher a chance to prove her experience with six free throw makes in a row. In her streak the Bearcats regained the lead, played keep-a-way, and then found enough offense to outlive the Bunnies to earn their tenth win 46-44.
The Bearcats improve to 10-8 and host Lincoln Pius X on Tuesday at Kearney High School.
Kearney had contributions from Rusher with 20 points, Province ended with 7, Dutenhoffer had 6, Kelsey Hatcher had 5, Skeen ended with 4, Helmbrecht and Straka wrapped with 2.
