UNK MBB: Short-Handed Loper Battle But Fall to Talented Tigers

Kearney, Neb. – All-American candidate Kaleb Hammeke had a game-high 15 points and Fort Hays State went on a late run to down Nebraska Kearney, 57-49, Saturday evening at the Health & Sports Center.

This was the 140th all-time meeting between the Tigers and Lopers; they'll meet again March 1 (Fri.) in Kansas. UNK, already minus forward Ryder Kirsch (knee), was without post Donavan Short (shoulder) and guard Miguel Robles (back) tonight.

UNK (5-11, 2-9) came in ranked third in the MIAA and 48th nationally in field goal percentage (47.7) but was facing a Tigers squad (13-4, 8-3) that came in leading Division II in scoring defense (58.8). They've now held seven foes under 50 points.

Down 10-0 about five minutes into the game, the Lopers righted the ship by rebounding better and making some threes. They trailed by just a 29-20 score at the break as freshman guard D'Aundre Samules (Denver East) made two triples, junior Taden King (Rexburg, Idaho) hit one and grabbed four boards with junior forward Sean Murphy (New Zealand) at five rebounds.

"We struggled to rebound it, especially early, and that hurt us.  You can't give up 17 second chance points," said UNK interim head coach Antoine Young. "Defensively, I told our guys that's the best we've played all year. As far as being connected, doing what we're supposed to be doing, details locked in."

The Tigers, who are receiving votes for the Top 25, never trailed but shot a season-low 36.1% from the field (22 of 61). That included a 5 of 22 effort from behind the arc with one of the makes coming via a bank. Hays, however, made up for the cold shooting by being plus six on the glass and making six more free throws than the Lopers. They also held the Blue & Gold to 27% first half shooting.

"They got that 10-0 lead because they had four of five offensive rebounds. But I give our guys credit because they didn't sulk, battled back, and made it a game," said Young. "We have to find a way to get to the line more (three attempts tonight). If we get some stops and get out in transition, that'll get us to there."

UNK whittled a 10-point hole to two, 40-38, after a putback bucket by super senior reserve forward Winston Cook (Wahoo). It was just a 45-40 advantage two minutes later but that's when Hays made its move. A 15-4 run featured two dunks off live ball turnovers and a three by senior reserve guard Jaheim Holden. That spurt made it 55-42 with 4:40 to play.

Hammeke, a six-foot guard, reached his point total by going 6 of 14 (1 of 4 threes) from the field and 2 of 2 at the line while also having six boards, four assists and two steals. Next, starting wing Elijah Nnanabu had 11 points with junior wing Traejon Davis close to a double double (eight points, eight rebounds). Finally, eight Tigers played and all eight scored.

Samuels paced UNK with 14 points, seven boards and three times with junior wing Damiri Lindo (Oakland) at 11 points, six caroms and three dimes. Off the bench, Cook had four points and two o-boards in 15 minutes, King finishing with seven rebounds and six points.

"Their defense has always been good. They are connected, they are always helping each other, they are gap orientated. So, there's not a lot of places to penetrate," said Young. "Your ball movement has to be spot on."

UNK hosts Emporia State and Washburn next weekend at Bucke Court.