KEARNEY, Neb. (Feb. 18, 2021) - Central Missouri struggled to find an offensive drive in Kearney as the Mule suffered a 51-74 loss to the Lopers.
How it Happened:
• After averaging 49.7% shooting in their last three games, the Mules shot just 33.3% (20-30) from the field and 25% (6-24) from the three.
• Nebraska-Kearney had better luck, especially in the first half. The Lopers came out hot against the Mules, connecting on 13 of their first 19 attempts following the tip-off.
• Nebraska-Kearney outscored the Mules 42-29 in the first twenty minutes, shooting 17-31 for 54.8% from the field and 6-14 from the three-point range for 42.9%.
• The Lopers continued to lead throughout the second half, recorded as much as a 25-point advantage over the Mules.
• Overall, the UCM finished just 20-60 from the field for 33.3%, 6-24 from the behind the arc for 25%, and 5-7 from the free-throw line for 71.4%.
• Despite Nebraska-Kearney's offensive slump in the second half the Lopers finished 29-55 for 52.7% shooting from the floor, 9-22 for 40.9% shooting from the three, and hit 7-9 from the foul line for 77.8%.
• The Lopers also saw an advantage at the boards, bringing down 30 rebounds to the Mules 21.
• Although the Mules ended with a game-low 11 turnovers the Lopers capitalized on each one, scoring 18 points off UCM's turnovers alone.
Leading the Mules:
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Cameron Hunter hit 5-10 from the field, 2-3 from the three, and 2-2 at the line to lead the UCM offense with 14.
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Jalen Blaize led the Mules with three threes as he finished with 13.
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Koray Gilbert led the Mules with six rebounds while totaling 11 points.
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Gaven Pinkley,
Dillon Blain, and
Ante Sustic recorded five rebounds each.
Leading the Lopers:
• Darrian Nebeker went 6-8 from the floor and 3-4 at the line for the game-high 15 points. Nebeker also led the UNK defense with a game-high eight boards.
• Austin Luger and Matt Brien each finished with 13. Brien led the Lopers from the behind the arc with three threes
• Cedric Johnson led UNK with five assists and two steals.
News & Notes:
• Central Missouri's 51 total points is the Mules second-lowest point total of the season while their 20 made field goals ties for its third-lowest of the season.
• The Mules finished with five blocked shots which is the second-highest amount in a single game this season.
• The Lopers now lead the all-time series against the Mules 9-4.
Up Next:
Mules basketball travels to Hays, Kan. to take on the 10-9 Tigers of Fort Hays State. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20th.
