November 6, 2004

Men’s Basketball Scores 137

Seven in Double Figures; Three Double Doubles

            Kearney, Neb. – Seven players were in double figures, three recording double doubles, as the Nebraska-Kearney men’s basketball team opened its 2004-05 season with a 137-79 victory over the Dreambuilders Saturday night at the Health & Sports Center.

            The school record for points in a single game is 141, set in 1988 vs. Chadron State. 

            UNK out rebounded the ‘Builders, 63-29, including a 23-7 edge on the offensive glass. That led to the Lopers 82-20 advantage in the paint.

            UNK tallied 30 fast break points and out shot the ‘Builders, 59.6 percent to 39.5 percent.

            All 10 players who suited up for UNK scored with all five starters scoring in double figures.

             Columbus sophomore Dusty Jura led the way with 25 points, 11 rebounds, seven steals and four assists in 28 minutes while Utah senior Will Taukiuvea had 25 points and six assists in 20 minutes.

            Also, newcomer Chris Dean (LaVerne, Calif.) had 23 points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes. He averaged a double double last year for Citrus College (Calif.).

            Bellevue senior Marty Levinson (13) and sophomore Chad Burger (14) were the other starters in double figures.

            This was Levinson’s first game since the 2002-03 season as he redshirted last year while Burger (Colorado Springs) is a transfer from Northern Arizona.

            Off the bench, Litchfield junior Matt Kucera had 12 points and 10 rebounds. He redshirted last year after playing two years at Central C.C.

            Finally, Ogallala freshman Nick Morrell chipped in 10 points and three boards in 16 minutes.

            Former Loper guards Brent Karnatz and Anthony Harms combined for 47 points and eight threes to lead the Dreambuilders.

            UNK plays Nebraska in an exhibition game next Saturday in Lincoln.