Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The 11th-ranked Colorado School of Mines had a plus 12 rebounding margin and used a big first half to beat Nebraska-Kearney, 77-61, Saturday night in Golden, Colo.
 
The Orediggers (17-2, 13-2 RMAC) avenge an earlier season loss to the Lopers (11-7, 9-6 RMAC) and have now won seven of the last 10 meetings between the two.
 
Back in December, a shorter Loper team out rebounded Mines, 34-29, to post a 66-57 win. That wasn't the case in Golden as Mines grabbed 36 rebounds, including 14 on the offensive ended that led to 14 second chance points.
 
UNK, also out rebounded in Friday's loss at Colorado Christian, is now 3-6 when it losses the battle on the glass.
 
Mines also held the Lopers to 36.0% (9 of 25) field goal shooting in the first half to open a lead of 41-19 at the break. The 'Diggers went 4 of 7 from the triple in the in first 20 minutes and also sunk 7 of 8 free throws.
 
Kearney really warmed up in the second half, shooting 66.7% (16 of 24), but never made a series run at the 'Diggers. Mines ended the night 20 of 24 at the line (83.3%) and 45.6% (26 of 57) from the floor.
 
Individually, three starters and two reserves were in double digits for the home team, led by senior post Dale Minschwaner and junior wing Brett Green, each with 17.
 
And, as usual, 6-8, 235 lbs. sophomore post Trevor Wages (13 rebounds & 12 points) was a thorn in the Lopers side.
 
Senior point Quinston Reggins (Houston, Texas) had 12 of his team-high 14 in the second half with senior wing Max Froehlich (Pierce) making all four shots he took after the break to finish with 13.

Finally, freshman post Ethan Brozek had 10 rebounds, eight points and two blocks,
 
UNK hosts Colorado Mesa and Western State next weekend.