Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Junior forward Connor Beranek had 32 points and 13 rebounds to help Nebraska Kearney hold off Washburn, 85-78, Saturday night at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers (14-7, 9-5) stop a two-game losing streak and take the season series from the Ichabods (1-14, 6-8).

UNK came out red hot and stayed that way for much of the night. Shooting well over 60% for most of the game, the Lopers held early leads of 13-3, 23-12 and 35-20. However, the Ichabods hung around and started to warm up themselves.

Washburn closed the first half on a 9-4 run and then shot 53% in the second half to twice get the deficit down to four points. Tallying 23 of its points off 17 Kearney turnovers, the Ichabods got a bucket from guard Korey Fisher to make it 77-73 with 1:23 left.

Beranek (Ravenna) made two free throws 14 seconds later and then sunk a deep three with 29 seconds left to make it 82-75. He tallied UNK's final eight points to cap a half in which he almost had a double double (24 points and nine rebounds).

This marks Beranek's fourth double double of the season and second in three games. A three-time MIAA Player of the Week, this also is his fourth game with 30 plus points.

UNK cooled off to 58.3% (28 of 48), including a 9 of 16 effort from behind the arc. Making 20 of 24 free throws, the 17 turnovers tied a season-high with Washburn also having twice as many offensive boards, 10-5.

Besides Beranek, Norfolk junior Ethan Brozek went for 16 points, four rebounds and two assists with Minnesota freshman guard Isaiah McKay going 3 of 4 from downtown to finish with 13 points and two assists.

Alabama transfers Algie Key paced Washburn, going for 25 points, three assists and three steals. He made nine field goals, seven free throws in playing 33 minutes.

Three other Washburn starters scored in double digits, including guard Kyle Wiggins (18).

UNK has only one game next week, a road date at Pitt State Thursday night.