Mules Take Season Series from the Loper Men

Kearney, Neb. – Four starters scored in double figures and Central Missouri shot 51 percent from the field to defeat Nebraska Kearney, 92-53, Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.

The Mules improve to 16-7 (7-4) and take the season series from the Lopers (10-12, 3-8).

UCM trailed for only 1:55 as they went 34 of 67 from the field and 15 of 22 at the line. Also sinking nine threes, they were plus 14 on the glass and had 28 more paint points. Defensively, the Mules limited UNK to 18 first half points on 7 of 32 (22%) shooting.

“They are a talented group, and we knew that would be loaded up coming off a couple of tough losses,” said Loper head coach Marty Levinson . “They bounced back and that’s what a good team does.”

South Dakota transfer and 6-9 junior Jevon Hill came in 75 of 168 (45%) from behind the arc and went for a game-high 26 points tonight. He nailed 6 of 9 threes and went 6 of 6 at the line. Next, Lincoln freshman guard Lazarek Houston provided 18 points, four assists and three steals with Omaha freshman Trinell Parker at 15 points and nine rebounds (four offensive). Finally, sophomore guard Kyran Talley had 12 points and four dimes.

“It’s multiple guys, they were physical and hard to score on. They are a really good basketball team that could make a run,” said Levinson. “We’ve got to be tougher and get to our spots better.”

UNK warmed up after the break and sunk nine threes to score 35. Texas senior guard Wade Williams (12) and Missouri senior guard Kendrick Gilbert (11) led the Lopers in scoring with North Platte junior reserve guard River Johnston hitting two late threes. Finally, Missouri freshman reserve wing Zeek Brown had four rebounds, three points, two assists and blocked a Houston shot.

The Lopers host No. 1 Washburn on Saturday afternoon. The Ichabods (21-0, 11-0) improbably rallied to force overtime tonight at Fort Hays State and won in overtime, 81-73.