KEARNEY – Lincoln Northeast held back the high-flying Bearcats in a defensive scrum, 47-32 on Saturday evening at Kearney High School. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
The Bearcats entered at 13-5 on the year having dropped their Tuesday night contest with Lincoln Pius and hoping to avoid a two-game losing skid for the second time this season. Lincoln Northeast had been blasted by Lincoln Southwest Friday night 71-59.
KHS BBB
The game was a defensive struggle from the beginning, as Kearney failed to score a field goal in the opening eight minutes of the game, only adding a single free-throw by Ben Johnson as the Rockets scored ten points with eight by senior guard Jalen Lang. Kearney trailed 10-1 entering the second quarter.
KHS BBB
The Bearcats offense picked up in the second, adding 15 and outscoring the Rockets by six in the period. However, Kearney’s attack could slow down the lone three pointer made by Northeast in the first half by Christian Winn as he added five total in the second quarter. Five different Bearcats scored in the quarter, led by Jack Dahlgren and Ben Johnson hitting five points each. The Bearcats still trailed entering halftime as a late triple to tie the game fell short, 19-16.
KHS BBB
The third quarter was a single digit affair by both teams, only adding seven by the Rockets and five by the Bearcats. Jackson Rathje hit a jumper while Quin Weatherholt added his own score as well. The Bearcats only field goal was added by Johnson, as Kearney trailed 26-21 entering the fourth quarter.
KHS BBB
A free-throw shooting contest broke out in the fourth as both teams hit the charity stripe multiple times as the squads were each in the double bonus early. Kearney attempted to stay within reach but a key foul leading to two free-throws, followed by a technical foul that then led to two free throws and a possession. As the Bearcats deficit grew to double digits, the lead became insurmountable late as the Rockets’ free throws proved too efficient as they ended with a 47-32 win.
KHS BBB
The Bearcats drop to 13-6 on the season, while Northeast improves to 11-8.
Kearney had contributions from Dahlgren with 9 points, Johnson with 7, Endorf with 6, Lee and Straka had 4, with Turner Bertrand ended with 2.
