Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team started its 2009-10 season with an 88-58 loss to Division I Indiana State Friday night in Terre Haute, Indiana.

This was a "real" game for the Sycamores but an exhibition contest for the Lopers.

In front of a crowd of 4,484 at the Hulman Center, UNK and a quickly improving ISU squad were tied at eight at the 15:22 mark. The Sycamores, led by former UNO head coach Kevin McKenna, went on a 16-6 run to open up a 10 point lead by the nine minute mark.

On the night, Indiana State forced 18 Loper turnovers and had just six themselves. ISU also won the battle on the glass, 44-32, and sunk 27 of 36 free throws.

Jake Kelly, a transfer from Iowa, was one of six ISU players to reach double digits as he tallied a team-high 16.

Lopers of the Game
Akeem Morissaint (Fr., G, Delray Beach, Fla.) - 18 points on 6 of 11 shooting (4 of 7 3's); 13 2nd half points
Josiah Parker (Sr., C, Lincoln) - 11 points on 5 of 9 FT shooting, 4 rebounds
Drew Sankey (Fr., F Lincoln East)  - 8 rebounds, 2 points
Chris Deans (So., F, Hemingford) - 5 points, 4 rebounds (2 offensive)
Jordan Harris (Jr., F, Westminster, Colo.) - 5 points, 3 rebounds (2 offensive)

Opponent Notes
Kelly - 10 of 10 at the line
Rashad Reed - 14 points on 5 of 7 FG shooting
Jordan Printy - 11 points, 7 rebounds
Harry Marshall - 10 points, 4 assists, 4 steals, 3 rebounds

Up Next
UNK hosts Hastings College on Nov. 18th to start the regular season