December 1, 2004

Men’s Basketball Wins Thriller

Lopers Down Wayne

Kearney, Neb. – Columbus sophomore Dusty Jura scored a career-high 27 points and had the game winning bucket as Nebraska-Kearney edged Wayne State, 70-69, Tuesday night in Wayne.

            UNK improves to 1-2 with the victory while the Wildcats fall to 1-4 on the young season.

            This was the first contest in which Jura and Bellevue senior Marty Levinson played in. The two starters missed the first two games due to an NCAA suspension.

            Playing its third straight nail biter, UNK went ahead 70-68 with just 40 seconds to go on a Jura jumper. He scored after rebounding a missed shot from sophomore Chad Burger (Colo. Springs, Colo.)

            Wayne misfired on a shot 16 seconds later but Jura then missed a free throw to give Wayne another chance to tie. But, with10 seconds left, Dallas Hodges missed the first of two free throws and the Lopers still were ahead. 

            A quick foul by Wayne put Levinson at the line but after he missed the front end of a one-and-one, UNK dodged a bullet by forcing a turnover with two seconds left.

            Wayne actually out shot UNK, 51 to 42 percent, and won the rebounding game, 35-31. However, the Lopers scored 26 points off 27 Wayne turnovers and had 18 second chance points thanks to 13 offensive rebounds.

            In 35 minutes, Jura had seven rebounds and five steals to go along with his offensive out put. He made 10 of 16 shots and was 6 of 12 at the line.

            His previous career high was 22 points, set last year vs. Morningside.

            Three others starters tallied 10 points a piece, including California junior forward Chris Dean.

            After having double doubles in the first two games, Dean had seven rebounds and five steals tonight and was 5 of 9 from the field.

            Brett Cain and Brett Watson each scored 20 points to lead the Wildcats.

            UNK hosts Peru State (7:00 p.m.) and Hastings (7:30 p.m.) next Monday and Tuesday at the Health & Sports Center.