Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Junior forwards Connor Beranek and Ethan Brozek combined for 40 points and 14 rebounds to power Nebraska Kearney to an 80-62 win over Southwest Baptist Saturday afternoon at the Health & Sports Center.
 
UNK improves to 4-1 (2-0) and ends a two-game losing streak to the Bearcats (3-6, 0-2).
 
Shooting over 50% from the field for the fourth time this season, the Lopers never trailed as a small Bearcats squad had no answer for Brozek (Norfolk Catholic H.S.) in the first half.
 
The 6-7, 215 lbs. forward had 13 of his 20 points by the break as he went 6 of 6 from the field and one of one at the line. When Brozek wasn't making a shot, his teammates were sinking a three; five different Lopers sank one as Kearney went 10 of 19 from downtown.
 
Up 37-27 at the break, UNK made half its 22 field goals over the final 20 minutes to slowly build its lead. Beranek (Ravenna) hit three triples and went 6 of 7 at the line to tally 15 of his 20 points after the break.
 
"The four wins we've had have been by a substantial margin and that gives us a reason to be optimistic," said Loper co-head coach Tom Kropp. "(Connor and Ethan) are the two guys we're going to look to this year. They are a stabilizing force."
 
UNK had a plus 10 rebounding margin, 37-27, and saw SBU go 14 of 23 (61%) at the line and 22 of 57 (39%) from the field.
 
Brozek had a team-high eight rebounds (five defensive) with Beranek grabbing six while handing out four assists and blocking three shots.
 
Among other starters, Minnesota freshman Isaiah McKay had a season-high 14 points of 5 of 10 (3 of 4 threes) shooting. Off the bench, Iowa forward Trey Lansman had six points, three rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes.
 
Menas Stephens had a double double (22 points & 10 rebounds) to pace SBU.
 
UNK is at Bellevue on Wednesday night and then travels to South Dakota Mines on Saturday.