Box Score Kearney, Neb – Junior guard Yashua Trent started a 7-0 run by burying a three pointer with 38 seconds left as Nebraska-Kearney edged Central Oklahoma, 80-74, Thursday night in the Health & Sports Center.

UNK (16-7, 9-5) and UCO (14-8, 9-5) are now tied for third place in the MIAA standings. With the win, the Lopers are now 7-4 in games decided by 10 points or less.

Scoring 24 points off 14 offensive rebounds, the Bronchos erased a 10-point first half deficit and led for 11 minutes in the second half. Ahead 65-58 with 7:10 to play, UCO saw that advantage disappear as UNK started to make its way to the free throw line. However, a deep three from guard Jordan London gave the 'Chos the lead back, 74-73, at the 1:56 mark.

Both teams followed with turnovers, setting up Trent's big shot. With UCO doubling junior Trey Lansman (Harlan, Ia.) in the post, Trent had plenty of space on the left wing to make his ninth three of the year.

"He's a really good player and had a lot of games like he did tonight," said Loper head coach Kevin Lofton. "He gives us an advantage in the paint, he gets assists, made a couple of free throws down the stretch. Yashua doesn't take a lot of threes but his overall percentage is good."

UCO seemingly tied the game a few seconds later but a made driving layup was called off as the 'Chos bench called timeout as they play was developing. In the final 15 seconds, UCO then committed two turnovers and missed a three at the buzzer.

"This win was huge but Saturday will be just as big. Our kids want to get back to Kansas City and we'll have to fight for every win," said Lofton.

Trent (Chicago) went 8 of 11 from the field (1 of 2 threes) and 6 of 9 at the line to tally a game-high 23 points. Also having five assists and a steal, the total was just three off his season-best effort.

Next, Lansman had 10 points and 10 rebounds by the break and finished with 18 points and 14 boards (10 defensive). Playing all 40 minutes, he also supplied four assists, two steals and a block.

One of the nation's best and busiest free throw shooting teams, UNK made 10 of its 19 freebies in the final six minutes. York junior Ty Danielson went 8 for 8 from the line to score 17. Finally, Minnesota sophomore guard Isaiah McKay hit three treys to tally 11.

UCO saw reserve post Corey Alpough, averaging around seven points per game, go for a team-high 20. Committing all five of his fouls in the second half, he went 9 of 12 from the field and also had a team-best seven boards.

London and fellow starter Corbin Byford each scored 12 with former 'Husker Jake Hammond at six points and six rebounds in 20 minutes.

UNK hosts Northeastern State Saturday afternoon in the regular season home finale. The RiverHawks (3-19, 2-12) have lost nine straight after tonight's 73-66 setback at Fort Hays State.