Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team shot a season-high 57 percent, sunk 13 three pointers and got 56 combined points from a trio of seniors to roll past Central Oklahoma, 87-66, Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.

UNK (12-13, 8-8), now 8-2 at home, avenges a 77-69 road loss to UCO (17-8, 10-6) last Thursday night.  The Bronchos came in as the 10th ranked team in the Central Region.

Leading for the final 34 minutes, the Lopers out shot (57-37 percent) and out rebounded (36-26) a bigger 'Chos squad with five Division I transfers on its roster. In the loss in Edmond, UCO managed 11 offensive boards in the first half; tonight they had seven for the game.

"We defended and rebounded at a really high level tonight. Usually, it's our offense that gets our defense going but it was in reverse tonight," said Loper head coach Kevin Lofton. "

UNK closed the first half on a 14-5 run to lead 36-25 at the break. The stretch featured threes by seniors Trey Lansman (Harlan, Ia.) and Ty Danielson (York) and junior Isaiah McKay (Brooklyn Park, Minn.). Going 13 of 23 from behind the arc, the make total ties a season-high effort.

"When Trey establishes himself in the paint, they have to collapse and that gives us wide open rhythm shots. I don't think we took too many bad shots from the three point line," said Lofton. "As long as they are inside out or come off ball reversal you feel like you have to take them."

While UCO sunk all 19 of its free throws and got 35 bench points, UNK controlled the second half thanks to 65 percent (17 of 26) shooting. That included 7 of 9 from downtown with the lead being at least 11 points over the final 7:28

"Defensively that as good as we've played in a long time. As big as they are, that's as good as we've rebounded in a long time," said Lofton. "This rivals the Northwest (Missouri) win in terms of the level that we competed at."

Sitting out just one minute, Lansman had another typical game; 25 points, 12 rebounds (all defensive), seven assists, two steals, one block, one assist and just one turnover. This marks his 14th double double of the year and pushes his career point total to 1,944.

Next, Danielson remained on fire, sinking all five threes he attempted. Finishing with 17 points, four boards and two times, he now has 1,234 points as a Loper. Also in the backcourt, McKay (14 points, five assists and two steals) had an all-around effort over 34 minutes with senior Lane Rohrich (Pierce) adding 14 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. He was 3 of 4 from behind the arc and one of six Lopers with a triple in the win.

UCO, shooting just 28 percent in the first half and going 5 of 22 from the three point line overall, had one player in double figures. Reserve guard Josh Holliday, averaging 3.7 points per game coming in, went for 20 thanks to 6 of 8 (5 of 7 threes) shooting.

The Lopers host Northeastern State Saturday afternoon. The RiverHawks (7-18, 3-13) fell tonight at Fort Hays State, 81-74.