UNK Men Fall At Home To Missouri Western State, 83-72

Kearney, Neb. – Four starters scored in double figures and Missouri Western State shot 51 percent from the field to down Nebraska Kearney, 83-72, Saturday evening at the Health & Sports Center.

The Griffons (12-6, 4-4 MIAA) avenge a loss to the Lopers (6-9, 4-3 MIAA) earlier this month with the teams now having split the last 10 games. All 10 have been decided by 12 points or less. UNK was aiming for its first five-game win streak in seven years.

MWSU never trailed as they hovered around 50% from the field all night while UNK was almost 20 points lower. However, the Lopers hung around thanks to 19 made free throws and staying even on the glass (36 all).

“They shot it well but at some point, we had to battle harder, wear their legs out, contest shots better and protect the rim,” said Loper head coach Marty Levinson. “They had a chip on their shoulder. I think they were up 13 on Fort Hays (Thursday) and lost that game and we had just beaten them. So, I think they were a little bit more motivated than we were.”

Senior guard Zane Nelson, who earned 2024 Great American Conference Newcomer of the Year honors while playing for Arkansas-Monticello, had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists to lead the way. He went for 15 in the first half and finished 7 of 14 from the field and 5 of 6 at the line.

UNK was down nine at the break and by 15 seven minutes into the second half. A 12-3 run featured threes from guard Allen Taylor (Rogers, Ark.) and Ja’Bryant Hill (Duncanville, Texas) but the Lopers wouldn’t get than six the rest of the night. Senior guard Julian Dixon hit back-to-back jumpers, sandwiched around a Hill free throw, to get the lad back to nine.

“We weren’t our best selves, but they were really good tonight,” said Levinson. “I didn’t like our energy. It was hard watching them score so easily and us breaking down defensively at times. And we weren’t great grinding on offense either.”

The Griffs finished 28 of 55 from the floor and 21 of 24 at the line. The effort at the line was a season-best with senior guard Zion Swader (7 for 7) and Nelson (5 of 6) doing the most damage. Finally, Lincoln senior wing Justin Bubak had 13 of his 18 points in the second half with Dixon (18 points, 11 rebounds) posting a double double.

All five Lopers starters were in double figures led by Taylor (22) and St. Louis junior guard Kendrick Gilbert (13). Taylor had 17 after the break and was 3 of 8 from deep with Gilbert going 5 of 8 from the field. Finally, Hill and post Taylor Harrell (Huntsville, Texas) both had 11 points while combing for 13 boards.

UNK heads to Central Oklahoma and Rogers State next weekend.