Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Colorado Christian men's basketball team made four free throws in the final 15 seconds, and had a plus nine rebounding margin, to upset Nebraska-Kearney, 75-71, Friday night in Lakewood, Colo.

The Cougars (3-15, 2-12 RMAC), snapping a five-game losing streak, have now win six of the last nine meetings with the Lopers (11-6, 9-5 RMAC).

Over the last four years, CCU and UNK have played a series of tight games and nothing changed Friday night as neither team held more than a five point lead over the 25 final minutes.

A three from junior wing Jon Henderson (Salt Lake City, Utah) gave UNK a seemingly comfortable 64-60 lead with 4:55 to play. However, CCU went on a 9-2 run to lead by three with just 1:43 to play. 

The Cougars, who made their last nine free throws, then moved ahead by three, 71-68, after two freebies by Michael Stamer at the 32 second mark. Eight seconds later, Loper senior forward Chris Deans (Hemingford) tied things up thanks to his second three of the game.

After a timeout, CCU was bringing the ball up the court when UNK was called for a foul. Sophomore guard Kyle Weaver made the subsequent free throws and, after sophomore post Mike Dentlinger (Millard North) misfired on a potential tying shot with eight seconds to go, the Cougars made two more freebies.

A 70% free throw shooting team, CCU went 21 of 25 (84%) at the line, in addition to 48% (23 of 48) shooting from the field. UNK actually made all 19 of its free throws and also made 23 field goals.

Next, the Lopers scored 21 points off 15 Cougar turnovers but CCU won the battle on the glass, 31-22. Coming into the game, CCU had a minus 10 rebounding margin for the season.
 
Individually, five different Christian players scored in double figures, led by Weaver (17) and 6-7 sophomore post Tony Black (13). Black also tied for the team lead in rebound with six.

For the Lopers, Dentlinger had a team-high 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting with Henderson and senior wing Max Froehlich (Pierce) each scoring 14.

UNK is at 11th-ranked Colorado School of Mines Saturday night.