UNK Now 4-3 Vs. UCM at Home Since 2012
Kearney, Neb. – Sophomore guard Sean Evans scored a team-high 23 points to help Nebraska Kearney rally and then hold off Central Missouri, 78-72, Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center. UNK (5-18, 3-14) splits the season series with the Mules (7-10, 11-2) and improves to 4-3 at home against UCM in the MIAA era (since 2012). Neither team held a lead bigger than seven points all night with the Mules ahead 53-49 with 11:23 remaining. The Lopers went on an 14-4 run over the next seven minutes to grab the lead for good with Evans (Parker, Colo.) capping things with one of his five threes on the night. UNK showed great balance during this stretch as four others besides Evans scored. "We played 40 minutes and it wasn't always the best but we found a way to play for 40. We played at a higher level for longer stretches," said Loper head coach Kevin Lofton. "They came out on fire and got us down a little bit, we fought back, hung with them and then were able to execute a little bit." Getting 30 points from former Kansas walk-on Grant Luinstra, UCM didn't go quietly. They cut the deficit to two points twice and then three points three times in the last 50 seconds. However, UNK managed to break a full-court press with Evans, after a half-court block call, hitting two freebies with 15 seconds left to make it 76-71. "We hit cutters when we needed to hit cutters and our forwards made plays when they needed to. We finished around the rim and made free throws … all the basic stuff we talk about every day in practice," said Lofton. Before fouling out late, Evans hit 7 of 12 shots (5 of 9 threes) to reach his tally. He entered the weekend ranked 12th in Division II in three-point percentage (.457) and is now averaging 18 points over the last seven games. "Really proud of him. He was able to knock down some threes for us and play some good defense. He made plays when it mattered the most and that's the story of the night," said Lofton. "Guys stepped up." Next, Colorado sophomore Tom Connelly had his third double digit effort (17) over the last seven games with Iowa redshirt sophomore reserve guard Jaleque Dunson (14) recording his third double digit game. His right corner three made it 70-65 with 58 seconds left. Finally, Utah super senior Darrian Nebeker had another all-around night (13 points, eight rebounds, five assists) with South Dakota redshirt sophomore forward Ryder Kirsch close to a double double (10 rebounds, nine assists). "Since the first time we've played them, they've gotten better in knocking down the three but if you can get them in a half-court game you've got a chance. I thought we did that for the most part," said Lofton. Luinstra went 11 of 16 (4 of 6 threes) and 4 of 6 at the line to reach his point total. He also had four rebounds, two steals and an assist over 32 minutes. Seven other Mules scored including Jacksonville transfer Trey Sides (10). UNK hosts Lincoln University Saturday. The Blue Tigers are now in a two-way tie for third place in the MIAA after a last second 59-57 loss at Fort Hays State tonight.
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