Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball made 14 three pointers and senior center Josiah Parker came up with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks to help the Lopers edge Hastings College, 87-84, Wednesday night at the Health & Sports Center.

A crowd of 1,151 watched UNK win its 2009-10 season opener. With the setback, the NAIA Broncos fall to 3-2 on the young season; they still lead the all-time series, 100-86.

Moment of the Game
In a contest that featured fives ties and 12 lead changes, UNK took the lead for good, 86-84, on a three pointer by junior guard Jeremy Cruise with 1:12 to play. Parker did the rest, blocking the next two Bronco shots with one leading to a made free throw by sophomore guard Max Froehlich.

Hastings had a chance to force OT, after UNK missed a one and one opportunity, but a long desperation three from Derek Fletcher with a second left was well off the mark.

Inside the Numbers
UNK shot 49.3 percent from the field, including a stellar 14 of 29 effort from beyond the arc. Last year, the Lopers averaged 7.8 made 3's per game and had six contest with at least 10 3's.

UNK out rebounded Hastings 28-18 in the 1st half but the Broncos won the 2nd half on the glass, 20-15. Hastings also did a good job in points off of turnovers, netting 20 points off of only 14 Loper miscues.

Lopers of the Game
Parker (Sr., C, Lincoln) - 21 points on 9 of 14 FG shooting, 8 rebounds (6 offense), 6 blocks (1 off career-high), 3 assists
Chris Deans (So., F, Hemingford) - 23 points on 7 of 8 3-point shooting (career-high of 8 3's came last year at Mesa State)
Froehlich (So., G, Pierce) - 19 points (2 off career-high) on 7 of 10 shooting; 7 assists, 7 rebounds
Akeem Morissaint (Fr., G, Delray Beach, Fla.) - 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists

Opponent Notes
Jeremiah Slough had 18 points, 9 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds
Fletcher had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Derrik Spooner had 15 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds
Former Loper Waid Vontz had 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

Up Next
UNK will play Minnesota-Duluth (Fri.) and Minnesota State (Sat.) in the Pepsi Tip-Off Tournament in Mankato, Minn. this weekend