Kearney, Neb. – Senior forward Trey Lansman recorded his 13th double double of the season to help short-handed Nebraska-Kearney beat Northeastern State, 82-78, Saturday evening in Tahlequah, Okla.

UNK (11-13, 7-8) is in a four-way tie for sixth place in the MIAA standing while the RiverHawks (7-17, 3-12) drop a third straight game.

For a second straight game, Kearney was down two starters. The vacancies left the Lopers with just two guards in senior Ty Danielson (York) and junior Isaiah McKay (Brooklyn Park, Mnn.).

"That was a true team victory. We came into this game with no true point guard; Isaiah had to play the point. It was a next man up type scenario," said Loper assistant John Ritzdorf. "Guys were playing out of position, guys were playing when their tongues were hanging on the ground because they were so tired."

Despite a short and unique rotation, UNK led by 14 in the first half and was ahead 32 minutes in all. Shooting 51 percent (27 of 53) from the field and 83 percent (20 of 24) at the line, the Lopers did see a perimeter-based NSU squad hit 12 threes to hang around.

In the second half, UNK cooled off after making 67 percent of its first half shots. The 'Hawks grabbed a 60-58 lead with 9:12 to play after sophomore reserve guard Trent Cantrell converted a three-point play. However, UNK moved ahead again thanks to a McKay triple and then was up seven with 1:17 left.

NSU didn't go quietly as Cantrell and junior guard Tanner Mouse hit back-to-back threes to trail by a 77-75 score with 35 seconds to go. Mouse was fouled on his shot but missed the ensuing free throw. UNK went 5 of 6 at the line to keep the 'Hawks at bay.

"We made enough plays throughout. We knew they would go on some runs since they are a pretty streaky team. They did make 12 threes and that was not part of our game plan," said Ritzdorf. "We always had a response and a lot of guys stepped up today."

Going all 40 minutes, Lansman (Harlan, Ia.) had 25 points and 12 rebounds (11 defensive). Making seven field goals (one three) and 10 free throws, he also had a team-high seven assists, three blocks and a steal. Lansman now has 1,919 points, sixth most in school history.

Next, a game Danielson went for 18 points on 5 of 9 (4 of 7 threes) shooting while sophomore forward Kyle Juhl (Harlan, Ia.) had 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. He played all 40 minutes in his eighth career start. Finally, McKay had 10 points, five assists and two rebounds over 35 minutes.

Four 'Hawks also reached double digits, led by senior guard Montre' Williams (22) and graduate transfer Jamir Andrews (18). The pair combined for five made threes as well as nine rebounds. Off the bench, Cantrell went for 16 points in 20 minutes.

UCO and NSU come to Kearney next weekend.