Kearney, Neb. – Sophomore guard Michael Vandahl tied his season-high of 13 points to lead  Nebraska-Kearney past Chadron State, 83-65, Tuesday night at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers improves to 11-11 (6-8 RMAC) while the Eagles fall to 8-13 (6-8 RMAC).

Moment of the Game
In leading by double digits for the final 28 minutes, UNK shot a season high 56.9% (29-51) from the floor. The Lopers came in averaging 44.3% from the field on the year.

Kearney was also unconscious from beyond the arc, making 11 of 17 shots (64.7 pct.). Six different players made at least one three as UNK had a double digit three total for the fifth time this winter.

The Lopers opened the game with a 8-0 run but Chadron countered with 10-0 spurt to take the lead back with 15:05 left. During the Eagles scoring run, they got five points from post Moala Tautuaa.

However, Tautaa picked up his second foul shortly after and that limited him to 10 minutes. UNK would take advantage of Tautuaa's absence by out rebounding the Eagles 19-11 to lead 44-32 at the break.

UNK continued their hot shooting in the 2nd half by making 54 percent of its shots (13 of 24) and making 50 percent of their shots from three point range (4 of 8).

For the game, the Lopers had a plus + 13 rebounding margin (37-24), tying a season-high margin.

Lopers of the Game:
Vandahl (So., G, Steamboat Springs, Colo.) - scored 13 points on 3 of 4 3-point shooting, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Chris Deans (So., F, Hemingford) - scored a team-high 17 points (14 in the 2nd half) on 4 of 5 FG shooting & 7 of 8 FT shooting, 5 rebounds
Max Froehlich (Jr., G, Pierce) - scored 16 points on 6 of 9 FG shooting, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
Michael McLeod (Jr., F, Ainsworth) - scored 6 points on 3 of 4 FG shooting, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 steals

Opponent Notes:
Tautuaa scored 22 points on 9 of 11 FG shooting, 6 rebounds
Guard Donte Archie scored 15 points on 6 of 12 FG shooting, 5 rebounds, 2 assists

Up Next
Nebraska-Kearney goes on the road to play Colorado-Colorado Springs Friday night.