February 13, 2004

Hot Shooting Lopers Beat CCU

Four in Double Figures

            Kearney, NE – Four players scored in double figures to lead the 8^th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team to a 96-84 victory over Colorado Christian in a key North Central Region matchup Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

            UNK (20-2, 12-2 RMAC) came into the game ranked No. 2 in the region while the Cougars (17-5, 10-4 RMAC) were fourth. The Loper win marks the eighth time in the last nine years UNK has won at least 20 games in a season.

            In an up and down game, both teams shot extremely well, UNK coming in at 57.8 percent (37 of 64) and CCU at 61.9 percent (39 of 63). However, it was one hot stretch by the Lopers that gave them the control of the game.

            Ahead 26-25 with 8:41 to play in the first half, the Lopers made nine straight shots from the field, and sunk one free throw, to stretch its lead to 16 points at 49-33. During the run, Grand Island senior guard Brian Dunagan scored 11 of his team high 21 points.

            CCU opened the second half on a 13-8 run to trail by only 11, 63-52, with 15:35 to play. A few minutes later, the Lopers used a 7-0 run, capped by a three from North Platte senior reserve Jacob Mohs, to get the lead over 20, 78-56, and the Cougars never threatened again.

            Dunagan had 14 of his points in the first half and he was 5 of 7 from three point land for the game. He also had eight assists and three steals in 37 minutes. Fellow Grand Island senior guard Chad Sheffield had eight assists as well.

            Also, forwards Nick Branting and Dusty Jura each tallied 19 points and combined for 14 rebounds while Utah junior Will Taukiuvea had 17 points and five assists.

            With his effort tonight, Branting becomes the 13^th Loper to reach 1,500 career points (1,515). 

            An even game statistically, UNK tallied 26 points off 23 CCU turnovers and had 18 fast break points.

            CCU post player Brent Hobba hit his first nine shots from the field en route to a 26 point, nine rebound night. Earlier this year in a loss to UNK, the Australian had 29 points and 12 rebounds.

            UNK hosts Colorado School of Mines tomorrow night.