January 2, 2004

Men’s Basketball Wins Thriller

Loper Seniors Lead the Way

            Kearney, NE – The 9^th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney men’s basketball team got 68 points from its three senior starters, including 32 from forward Nick Branting, to get by the Colorado State-Pueblo Thunderwolves, 87-78, Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

            The Lopers (9-0, 2-0 RMAC) remain unbeaten on the year and extend their home court winning streak to 24 games while CSUP falls to 8-2 (1-1 RMAC). 

            CSUP led by many as nine points in the first half and held a 41-38 lead at intermission. A 7-0 run by the Lopers late in the first half cut into the ‘Wolves lead and allowed UNK to go into the locker room with some momentum.

            Both teams were feeling it from behind the three point line most of the night, each making 11 of 27 three point shots. CSUP hit back-to-back triples to take a 47-40 lead early in the second half and still led, 58-57, after an Alfred Sanchez layup with 10:46 to go.

             UNK scored the game’s next eight points and never trailed again. However, CSUP never let the Lopers get ahead by more than 10 points and UNK had to make its free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

            Branting, who began the year by scoring 36 points vs. Peru State, had 20 of his 32 points after halftime. He also grabbed a team high eight rebounds and had five assists.

            Senior shooting guard Brian Dunagan tied his season-high with 22 points on 6 of 10 shooting, including a 4 of 7 effort from three point land. The final senior starter, point guard Chad Sheffield, had 14 points and nine assists.

            Sanchez paced CSUP with 23 points on 8 of 16 shooting, including a 5 of 9 effort from the three point line. Also for the ‘Wolves, Brian Vecchio had 18 points and Chad France 12 rebounds and seven points.

            While Pueblo out rebound the Lopers, 41-29, UNK tallied 30 points off 25 ‘Wolves turnovers.

            UNK hosts New Mexico Highlands tomorrow night.