Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Junior forwards Connor Beranek and Ethan Brozek both scored 21 points as the Nebraska Kearney roared past Missouri Southern State, 93-73, Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.
 
This was the MIAA opener for both clubs. UNK improves to 3-1 while MSSU falls to 5-4.
 
Last year, Missouri Southern went 25-6, won the MIAA Tournament and reached the second round of the NCAA's. In the second round of the league tourney, the Lions ended the Lopers season, 87-79.
 
While MSSU suffered some graduation losses and the departure of its head coach, they were picked third in the preseason poll.
 
UNK, shooting well over 60% from the field most of the night, more than paid the Lions back for ending their 2013-14 season as they led 32-10 by the 7:19 mark. Sinking eight first half threes, Kearney led 51-25 at the intermission and by as many as 38 points in the second half.

Southern closed on a 25-7 run to make the score look respectable.
 
"I told the kids the two practices we had before Thanksgiving break were the best in this gym in seven years. We were a bit rusty Monday against Doane but our practices Tuesday and Wednesday were similar to the ones right before break," said UNK co-head coach Tom Kropp. "Tonight, this is the best 30 or 35 minutes we've played since our 12-year run (1996-07) when we averaged a 24-7 record. We're excited."
 
Brozek (Norfolk Catholic H.S.) recorded his third double double of the season, going 7 of 11 from the field and 7 of 8 at the line to reach his point total. Playing just 26 minutes, eight of his team-high 11 rebounds came at the defensive end.
 
Next, Beranek (Ravenna) went 9 of 14 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds (five defensive) and handed out three assists.
 
Among UNK's productive freshmen class, starting guard Isaiah McKay (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) had 12 points with reserve forward Trey Lansman (Harlan, Ia.) at a season-best 17 points on 8 of 11 shooting.
 
As a team, the Lopers were 35 of 59 from the field (59.3%), including 9 of 18 from behind the arc. Seven different players made at least one three with McKay and fellow freshman Ty Danielson (York) making two apiece. Finally, each starter had at least two assists with sophomore reserve guard Kevin Dineen (Creighton Prep) having two steals.

Southern got 12 points and three rebounds from starter Taevaunn Prince and 11 points and three boards from reserve Blaine Miller.
 
UNK hosts Southwest Baptist (3-5, 0-1) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. They lost 68-56 at Washburn tonight