Kearney, Neb – The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team hits the road to start the New Year as it faces Southwest Baptist Thursday night and Central Missouri on Saturday afternoon.

The Lopers (5-6, 0-2), who'll see SBU and UCM only once this season, are looking for its first true road win of 2018-19. SBU (7-4, 1-1) currently is 7-2 on its home court while the banged up Mules (7-4, 0-2) are 6-0 in Warrensburg. Check the men's basketball schedule page for tip times and media links.

UNK has seen its offense cranked up in the last two games, going for 83 points vs. Hastings and 86 against Nebraska Christian. The Lopers reached 80 points in two of its first nine contests. Shooting 44 percent from the field and 64 percent from the line, Kearney is third in the MIAA in blocks per game (3.3) and fourth in opponent free throw attempts (188/17 per game).   

Individually, freshman Kanon Koster (Kearney H.S.) is 11th in the league in scoring at 17.6 a night. He and Northwest Missouri State redshirt freshman Trevor Hudgins (19.3) rank fourth and second, respectively, in Division II in scoring by a first-year player.  The leader is 6-7 JT Shumate of Ohio's Walsh University (21.0).

Koster also ranks in the MIAA top 12 in field goal percentage (49.6), free throw attempts (60), minutes (34.1) and assists per game (4.8) with Iowa junior forward Kyle Juhl ninth in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.1).

The Lopers return home next weekend to face Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State.
 

Southwest Baptist Bearcats (Bolivar, Mo.)
2018-19 Record: 7-4 (1-1)

Notable Results: Beat UCM 72-62; Lost at Washburn, 97-72; Lost to William Jewell, 91-81

Notable MIAA Team Stat Ranks: 2nd in rebounding margin (7.2), 3rd in scoring defense (69.5), opponent field goal pct. (42.4), free throw pct. (78.0) & three point pct. (39.0)

Players to Watch: #00 Chris Rossow (So., G, 5-9, 145 lbs., 13.7 points, 4.8 assists & 4.1 rebounds per game), #12 Damian Prgomet (Jr., 6-9, 220 lbs., 13.2 points & 5.7 rebounds pg), #1 Karim Mouliom (Sr., 6-5, 200 lbs., 10.2 points & 6.5 rebounds pg)
 
Central Missouri Mules (Warrensburg, Mo.)
2018-19 Record: 7-4 (0-2)

Notable Results: Beat Wayne State, 73-67; Beat William Jewell, 78-75; Lost at Washburn, 70-50

Notable MIAA Team Stat Ranks: 6th in steals (7.0) and scoring defense (71.8)

Players to Watch:  #11 Jafar Kinsey (12.9 points & 5.0 rebounds per game), #3 Blake Spellman (11.1 points, 4.2 assists & 2.5 rebounds pg), #22 Matt Wilkinson (10.3 points & 3.1 rebounds pg)