February 11, 2005

Metro Holds Off Men’s Basketball

Turnovers Costly in Loss

Kearney, NE —The 3^rd-ranked Metro State Roadrunners used a late 13-5 run to hold off the Nebraska-Kearney men’s basketball team, 88-80, Friday night in Denver.

            Metro (20-2, 13-2) extends its home court win streak to 33 straight games and moves into first place in the RMAC’s East Division as well. UNK (17-5, 11-3 RMAC) sees its five game win streak come to an end.

            Despite committing a season-high 22 turnovers, UNK was down just 75-71 with 3:31 to go after a bucket by Columbus sophomore Dusty Jura.

            On Metro’s next possession, the shot clock was winding down but sophomore Drew Williamson hit a three from the top of the key to push the ‘Runner lead to seven.

            After a UNK turnover, Williamson hit his fourth and final three of the game to put Metro up by 10 at the 2:39 mark.

            The Australian native and transfer from Division I Fordham (N.Y.) then added a lay-up about 40 seconds later to cap his 18-point night and give Metro a nine point lead.

            The Lopers finished the game’s scoring with two buckets in the final 18 seconds.

            In another even game between the two rivals, Metro won with strong three point shooting and a tough defensive effort in the first half.

            The ‘Runners made 10 of 19 triples tonight after going 0 for 13 from the arc in a loss in Kearney a few weeks ago. In that game, UNK tied its season-high by making 13 treys but the Lopers couldn’t repeat that performance, making all seven of its threes in the second half (7 of 17).

            Metro got out to a 41-27 halftime edge by forcing 14 Loper turnovers and limiting UNK to just 13 points in the final 13 minutes of the half.

            UNK quickly got back into the game early in the second half, trailing by just five points, 61-56, by the 10 minute mark. Metro got its lead back up to 10 points with six minutes to go, 73-63, before UNK made its final push.

            Four starters were in double digits, led by Jura with 19. The southpaw was 8 of 14 from the field and added nine rebounds and four assists to go along with his offensive output.  

            Despite playing with four fouls the entire second half, California junior Chris Dean recorded a double double (18 points, 12 rebounds) while Utah senior Will Taukiuvea got hot in the second half to finish with 15 points and five assists.

            Finally, Bellevue senior Marty Levinson had 13 points and five assists.

            Metro was led by senior forward Michael Morse, who had a game-high 25 points on 7 of 12 shooting, including a 4 of 6 effort from the arc.

            Also, senior Ben Ortner added 20 points, seven blocks and five assits off the bench.  

            UNK plays at Regis tomorrow night.