January 16, 2004

Big First Half Propels Men’s Basketball

Lopers Get Out to 46-Point Halftime Lead

            Kearney, NE – Five players scored in double figures to lead the 8^th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney men’s basketball team to an easy 100-50 win over Colorado-Colorado Springs Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

             UNK (12-1, 5-1 RMAC) extends its home court win streak to 26 straight games while the Mountain Lions fall to 2-10 on the year (1-4 RMAC).

            The Lopers were more than dominant in the first 20 minutes, holding UCCS to just six field goals while forcing 22 turnovers. Offensively, UNK shot 61 percent from the field, had 31 points off those 22 turnovers and out scored UCCS 20-0 on the fast break.

            All that gave UNK a 58-12 lead at the intermission.

            The blue and gold finished the contest by out scoring the Springs 28-2 on the fast break and tallying 43 points off 29 Lions turnovers.

            Omaha junior Cameron Lollar came off the bench to lead the team in points (20) and rebounds (eight). Columbus freshman Dusty Jura and Utah junior Will Taukiuvea each tallied 16 points in 17 minutes while Bellevue freshman center Jordan Farmer had 11 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and three steals in 21 minutes.

            Also, Grand Island senior point guard Chad Sheffield has nine assists, five points and four steals.

            Jack Bain led the Lions attack with 17 points and eight rebounds.

            UNK hosts Western State tomorrow night.