Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Central Missouri Mules shot 74 percent in the second half and got 34 bench points to slip past Nebraska-Kearney, 77-72, Saturday evening at the Health & Sports Center.

The Mules are now 9-4 (3-2) while the Lopers (11-4, 4-2) see a five-game win streak come to an end. UNK is now in a tie for second place in the MIAA standings along with Missouri Southern State and Central Oklahoma. 

Despite having a season-high 18 turnovers and shooting a season-low 64.5 percent from the line, UNK still had a chance to tie the game in the final moments. However, a step back-three from the top of the key by sophomore Isaiah McKay banged off the rim with seven seconds left.

UCM's leading scorer on the season, junior guard Spencer Reaves, made four free throws in the final 16 seconds to finish the scoring. He did miss the front end of a one-and-one free throw with 21 seconds left and McKay (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) converted a layup to make it a one-point game, 73-72.

Layups were a common theme as the Mules tallied 52 of its points in the paint. They shot a solid 52 percent (14 of 27) in the first half but upped the ante in the second half, making 17 of 23 shots (2 of 4 threes) to erase a 39-33 halftime deficit.

"We did not guard the ball coming off the pick and roll, coming off of hand offs. They took a lot of high percentage shots they never should've gotten. That's something we've been doing a good job of and we'll have to really take a look and see where exactly the meltdown was happening," said Loper head coach Kevin Lofton.  

The MIAA's top free throw shooting team at around 79 percent, UNK was 20 of 31 from the charity stripe. Eight of the misses came in the second half with three occurring when the Lopers trailed 67-64 with less than four minutes to go.

"One of those things you can't put your finger on. We had good free throws shooters going to the line and they just didn't make them," said Lofton. "We're usually at 78 to 80 percent, especially in late game situations."

Reaves led the UCM attack as he had 20 points, seven boards (six defensive), four assists and three steals in 34 minutes. Junior guard DJ Richardson had six of his team's 15 turnovers but also made 7 of 8 shots to tally 16 points in 26 minutes off the bench. Finally, six-eight, 255 pound junior reserve post Jakob Lowrance had eight points and four boards in 15 minutes.

UNK, shooting a solid 55 percent (23 of 42), got another big effort from Iowa junior forward Trey Lansman. Working around some early foul trouble, he had a game-high 29 points thanks to 10 freebies and nine field goals. His third straight game with 22 or more points, Lansman also had a team-high eight rebounds (seven defensive), a block and an assist.  

Next, McKay (12) and junior guard Yashua Trent (11) reached double figures while also combining for seven assists. Off the bench, Bellevue freshman AJ Jackson had four boards (two offensive) and three points in 12 minutes.

UNK has just one game next week, a Thursday night home tilt against rival Fort Hays State (9-5, 3-3).