Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team has six of its final regular season games at home, starting this weekend with Washburn and Emporia State.

The Lopers (9-11, 5-6) are 6-1 at the Health & Sports Center this year and have won three of four to be a half game out of sixth place in the MIAA standings. Check the Loper schedule page for tip times and media links; note the unique start time on Saturday. Also on Saturday, a special reunion of men's basketball alumni will take place.

The game with Washburn (15-5, 9-2) features two of Division II's top big man in Loper senior Trey Lansman (Harlan, Ia.) and Ichabod senior Brady Skeens (14. 0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per game). They are the only two MIAA players averaging a double double on the season.

Lansman (21.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game) ranks in the Division II top 36 in 12 categories with Skeens leading the national in field goal percentage (73.8). Lansman went for 14 and 13 in the December matchup between the two with Skeens providing nine points and 14 boards. 

Back in December, Washburn ended an eight-game skid against Kearney, 78-71, as reserves Isaac Clark and Tyas Martin combined for 40 points. Emporia State (8-12, 3-8) knocked off the Lopers two days later, 76-69, keeping UNK winless in White Auditorium since joining the MIAA.

The Blue and Gold has its final regular season road trip next weekend, visiting nationally-ranked Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State.
 
Washburn U. Ichabods
2017-18 Record: 15-5 (9-2); 4-2 on the road

2017-18 Notable Results: Beat UNK, 78-71; Beat Emporia, 83-69; Lost to Central Missouri, 63-55; Lost to #16 Northern State, 69-57

Players to Watch (besides Skeens): 6-3 junior guard Javion Blake (15.5 points, 2.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds) and 6-4 junior reserve guard Tyas Martin (10.2 points and 2.5 rebounds)

Team Numbers: 79.0 points per game, + 11.9 scoring margin, + 7.1 rebounding margin, + 0.9 turnover margin, 69% at the line, 6.6 made threes per game
 
Emporia State U. Hornets
2017-18 Record: 8-12 (3-8); 1-5 on the road

2017-18 Notable Results: Beat UNK, 76-69; Beat Lincoln, 77-75; Lost to Ft. Hays, 69-58; Lost at Pitt State, 87-67

Players to Watch: 5-11 junior guard Brandon Hall (15.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists) and 6-6 senior wing Stephaun Limuel (11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.6 assists)

Team Numbers: 72.9 points per game, - 0.7 scoring margin, + 0.7 rebounding margin, + 2.1 turnover margin, 71% at the line, 11.8 offensive rebounds per game