Kearney, Neb. – After an arduous early season schedule, the Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team returns home this Thursday and Saturday to face league rivals Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern State.

These MIAA games were moved up two weeks to accommodate UNK winter commencement on December 15th. Check the Loper schedule page for tip times and media links.

A short-handed Loper squad (3-5) has played one of the toughest schedules in the country to date. Besides five true road games and one neutral site affair, UNK has already seen No. 6 Colorado School of Mines (6-0), No. 22 Arkansas-Ft. Smith (7-0), Southern Nazarene, Okla. (4-1) and Wayne State (4-2). Kearney has played the most games of any MIAA school to date and they've come in a 16-day window.

Currently averaging 77 points per game, UNK is shooting 45% from the field and 75% at the line. Always one of the nation's top free throw shooting teams, the Lopers have yet to see a big advantage at the stripe as the opposition is sinking a ridiculous 81% of its fouls shots. Last year, that number was 73%.

Minus sharp shooter Isaiah McKay (13.2 points per game in 2016-17; 45% from the 3-point line), UNK is making just 32% of its long range bombs. Freshman reserve forward Austin Luger (6 of 13) has had the hottest hand and has seen action in all eight games.

Senior forward Trey Lansman (Harlan, Ia.), as would be expected, is among the MIAA leaders in scoring (20.3), rebounding (7.8) and blocks (eight). He is making 74% of his freebies and shooting 48% from the field. Finally, three other veterans are in double figures, including guard Lane Rohrich (13.8). His 110 points is just 86 off his career-high total for a single season.

Pitt State comes in under first-year head coach Kim Anderson. After winning the 2014 national title at Central Missouri, Anderson moved over to his alma mater, Missouri, for three seasons. He rebuilt the Gorilla roster by bringing in eight transfers, five from the Division I ranks.

The always athletic and dangerous Mo Southern Lions are coming off a 79-77 win over Wayne State at the Sioux Falls Pentagon. UNK and MSSU have met three times in the MIAA Tournament with the Lions taking last year's tit in Joplin, 89-71. 

UNK heads to Emporia State and Washburn next weekend.

Pittsburg State (5-2)
2016-17 Record: 5-22 (3-16)

2017-18 Notable Results: 90-80 vs. Minnesota State; 72-62 vs. St. Cloud State; Lost 104-95 to Arkansas-Ft. Smith; Lost 114—105 to Eckerd (Fla.)

Players to Watch: Junior wing #5 Donovan Franklin (18.4 points, 3.7 rebounds & 1.6 assists per game) and senior wing #21 Xavier Adams (17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds & 1.7 assists per game)

Team Numbers:  89.4 points per game, + 9.8 scoring margin, + 2.3 rebounding margin, + 3.8 turnover margin, 8.7 made threes per game, 72% at the line

Missouri Southern State (2-3)
2016-17 Record: 18-12 (11-8 MIAA)

2017-18 Notable Results: 79-77 vs. Wayne State; Lost 76-70 to St. Cloud State; Lost 91-89 in OT to Minnesota State

Players to Watch: Senior guard #0 CJ Carr (17.0 points, 4.5 assists & 3.0 rebounds per game … didn't play in last game) and sophomore guard #15 Elyjah Clark (14.2 points & 7.2 rebounds per game)

Team Numbers:  76.0 points per game, -0.6 scoring margin, + 2.0 rebounding margin, - 0.6 turnover margin, 46% from the field