Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Sophomore guard Gokul Natesan hit a three as the buzzer sounded to lift the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers over Nebraska-Kearney, 67-66, Wednesday afternoon in Golden.
 
Currently ranked 21st in the national poll, Mines improves to 3-1 while the Lopers fall to 3-2.
 
UNK led for nearly the entire way, including by a 66-60 score with 1:40 to go. Over the final 100 seconds, the Lopers missed two free throws, had a turnover, committed two fouls and missed a jumper with the shot clock winding down.
 
The Orediggers, which started day up 2-0 for its only other lead, went 2 of 4 at the line to cut the deficit to four with 56 seconds left. After a Loper turnover, Natesan converted a layup to make it a one possession game.
 
UNK ran the shot clock down but couldn't hit a jumper and Mines rebounded the miss with 13 seconds left. They called a timeout and then got the ball to Natesan, who buried his second tree of the game.
 
A 6-5 wing from California, Natesan tallied a game-high 21 on 7 of 14 (2 of 6 threes) shooting. Also having five assists and three steals, he scored the 'Diggers final six points.
 
Trailing by as many as nine points in the second half, Mines was out rebounded by two, 30-28, but committed six few turnovers, 17-11. UNK shot an even 50% (21 of 42) from the field with both teams missing eight free throws.
 
Besides Natesan, fellow starting guard Kaan Korkman (14) and reserve post Caleb Waitsman (12) scored in double figures for the 'Diggers with Korkman tying for the team-lead in rebounds (five).  
 
UNK got 16 points and eight rebounds from senior Connor Beranek (Ravenna) with fellow forward Ethan Brozek (Norfolk Catholic H.S.) at 15 points, three assists and two rebounds. He was limited to 25 minutes as he fouled out with 3:58 left in the game. 
 
Off the bench, Kansas junior guard Josh Sweet supplied 12 points (2 of 3 threes) and five defensive rebounds in 29 minutes.
 
Kearney is at Wayne State on Monday, November 30th.