Kearney, Neb – The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team returns home this weekend to face the Central Oklahoma Bronchos and Northeastern State RiverHawks

The Lopers (5-8, 0-4), who'll play at UCO and NSU at the end of February, start the week with a 4-2 home mark. Check the men's basketball schedule page for tip times and media links.

UNK, UCO and NSU are all looking for their first MIAA wins of the season; the RiverHawks are at Fort Hays State on Thursday night. All three clubs have had a series of close setbacks. The Lopers last five losses have come by a total of 17 points with UCO having suffered three losses by a total of only 10 points. Finally, the 'Hawks lost last Saturday at home by a point and sustained two MIAA road losses by a combined 14 points. 

On a more positive note, Kearney is among the league leaders in blocks (3.7) and threes allowed per game (7.5). Seven different players have swatted at least one shot with the leaders being junior AJ Jackson (11), freshman Kanon Koster (11) and sophomore Weston Baker Magrath (10). 

From the perimeter, Central Missouri was just 4 of 22 (18.2 pct.) from the three point line last Saturday. They are one of six UNK opponents to make six or fewer threes in a game. 

The Lopers travel to Washburn next Wednesday and Emporia State on Sunday. The weird scheduling quirk has to do with an arena issue at Emporia. 
 

Central Oklahoma Bronchos (Edmond, Okla.)
2018-19 Record: 7-6 (0-4)

Notable Results: Lost to #2 NW Missouri, 78-67; Lost to Missouri Western, 85-80; Lost at Pitt State, 77-76

Notable MIAA Team Stat Ranks: 1st in free throw pct. (80.5), 2nd in steals (8.0), 3rd in turnover margin (+3.8), 

Players to Watch: #10 Adarius Avery (Sr., F, 6-6, 200 lbs., 19.5 points, 9.8 rebounds & 2.9 assists per game), #3 Ashford Golden (Jr., G, 6-4, 180 lbs., 14.8 points & 3.5 rebounds pg)
 
Northeastern State RiverHawks (Tahlequah, Okla.)
2018-19 Record: 6-7 (0-4)

Notable Results: Lost to Missouri Western, 71-70; Lost at Missouri Southern, 85-79; Lost at Pitt State, 86-78

Notable MIAA Team Stat Ranks: 1st in rebounding margin (+6.7), 3rd in field goal pct. defense (42.8), 4th in field goal pct. (48.6)

Players to Watch:  #12 Caleb Smith (Jr., G, 6-2, 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds & 3.0 assists per game), #21 Tanner Mouse (Sr., G, 6-1, 12.8 points & 2.3 rebounds pg), #23 Aaron Givens (Jr., F/C, 6-10, 8.0 points & 7.1 rebounds pg)