Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraka-Kearney men's basketball team has one of its longest road trips of the season when it heads to Western State and Colorado Mesa this weekend.

The first weekend of RMAC play, the Lopers (2-1) are at Western on Friday (9:00 p.m. Central) and then stop by CMU, formerly known as Mesa State, on Satuarday (8:30 p.m. Central).

Fans can follow the action by listening to Dave Jenner on KGFW AM 1340 or, for a price, watch the action on America One. Live stats are also available.

Through three games, the Lopers are scoring 68.3 points per game and giving up almost the same (68.7). Ranking third in the RMAC in free throw percentage (72.3), Kearney also has a + 2.00 turnover margin.

Individually, senior guard Quinston Reggins (Houston, Texas) is at 14 7 points per game with junior wing Jon Henderson (Salt Lake City, Utah) close behind at 13.3. Both are in their first-years as Lopers.

Another newcomer making an impact is freshman post Ethan Brozek (Norfolk), coming in at 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Picked 11th in the RMAC preseason coaches poll, Western has lost to Air Force and Wyoming while beating Division II Oklahoma Panhandle State and NAIA member Northern New Mexico.

Scoring 61.8 points per night, Western shoots only 28% from the three point line and just 55% from the free throw line. They also have a -1.7 turnover margin.

Two newcomers, six-eight, 310 lbs. junior post Charles Joseph (10.8) and 6-4 junior guard Travis Shepherd (10.5), lead in scoring. Senior guard Welyan Towns (6.5 ppg, 3.3 apg, 3.0 rpg) is back and has been one of the Mountaineers top players the past three years.

The Lopers edged WSC in OT last year at home, 72-66 and then lost, 82-74, in Gunnison.

A 2011 NCAA Tournament team, the Mavericks own wins over Division II newcomer Minot State (ND), 67-51, and USCAA member Southern Virginia, 79-54, while losing to No. 22 Seattle Pacific (Wash.) and Dixie State (Utah).

Always a tough defensive team, Mesa is allowing 59.0 points per game and has an excellent + 6.7 rebounding margin.
The Mavericks, tied for fourth in the preseason coaches poll, need these numbers as they shoot 29% from the three point line and make just 63% of its free throws.

Six-seven senior post Michael Bear (14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds) leads the way as he is making 56% of his shots. Next, Division I transfer Shawn King, a 6-4, 210 lbs. sophomore guard, is at 10.0 points per game thanks to 71% (17 of 24) shooting from the field).

UNK has been a thorn in Mesa's side for years and split with the Mavericks last year, winning 73-65 in Kearney and losing 86-76 in GJ.