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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Corbey R. Dorsey
83
Winner Pittsburg State PSU 16-11, 9-9
75
Nebraska-Kearney UNKMBB 10-17, 5-13
Winner
Pittsburg State PSU
16-11, 9-9
83
Final
75
Nebraska-Kearney UNKMBB
10-17, 5-13
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Pittsburg State PSU 36 47 83
Nebraska-Kearney UNKMBB 34 41 75

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Fast Starts, Late Run Helps Pitt Win 83-75

Kearney, Neb. – Senior guards Donovan Franklin and Grant Lozoya combined to score 47 points and Pittsburg State closed on an 18-7 run to edge Nebraska-Kearney, 83-75, Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.

The Gorillas improve to 16-11 (9-9) and split the season series with the Lopers (10-17, 5-13). UNK, still minus injured forwards AJ Jackson (Bellevue West) and Austin Luger (Alliance), was eliminated from the MIAA Tournament race Wednesday night after Southwest Baptist upset Lincoln.

"We have had our back against the wall all year long. They've hung together and had great attitudes. I expect them to come out Saturday and give all they got for our one senior," said Loper head coach Kevin Lofton. "It's disappointing … we knew when we lost to Lindenwood and at Central Oklahoma we let a couple of golden opportunities get away from us."

Now 9-12 in games decided by 10 points or less, the Lopers battled back from an early 18-6 hole. Getting 10 points apiece from junior Morgan Soucie (Oswatomie, Kan.) and freshman Kanon Koster (Kearney) in the first half, UNK tied up at 27 and then trailed by just a 36-34 score at the break.

"(Falling behind) has happened all year. I'll give it to our guys because they've been resilient when teams come out like that. It wasn't like our guys weren't trying … they were hitting some NBA-type three point shots that were contested. We had to weather the storm but it does take something out of you," said Lofton. 34884

However, the Gorillas started the second half on a 12-4 run to lead by double figures again. The Lopers kept the deficit within arm's reach and then turned a 63-54 deficit into a 68-65 lead with 6:02 to play. The big run featured a three from freshman Henry Penner (Aurora) and six straight points by junior Chase Winchester (DeSoto, Texas).

A Franklin jumper with 2:03 remaining gave the Gorillas a 74-73 lead and they never trailed again. UNK had a chance to tie things up at 78 all but a Penner triple try misfired with 51 seconds remaining. Lozoya, a transfer from Division I Stetson (Fla.), put the nail in the coffin with a deep three 30 seconds later.

"They made a couple of plays down the stretch. We missed on a loose ball here, a rebound there, had a turnover. Just the little things you can't do in the last three minutes of a game and have success," said Lofton. "This has been a year of close games that haven't gone our way. You have to get up, keep swinging and competing. And our kids have done that and hopefully that builds character moving forward."

A transfer from Division I Indiana State, Franklin had 23 points, five assists and four rebounds in 37 minutes. Missing the game vs. the Lopers earlier this month due to injury, he made 8 of 16 (3 of 7 threes) shots. Next, Lozoya had a game-high 24 thanks to nine free throws and six field goals (3 of 7 threes). He also managed eight assists, eight rebounds and five steals.

Team wise, Pitt shot 46% from the field (30 of 66) and 88% (14 of 16) from the line while tallying 19 points off of 16 Loper turnovers.

For UNK, Soucie had a career-high 22 points. His previous career-high of 17 came just last Thursday in a win at Northeastern State. Tonight the forward went 8 of 14 from the field and 6 of 7 at the line while adding six rebounds, a block, steal and assist.

"He is a testament to what a great attitude and a lot of work can do for you," said Lofton.

Finally, Koster (11), Penner (10) and Iowa junior Kyle Juhl (11) also scored in double figures with both Koster and Juhl having seven rebounds apiece.

The Lopers close out the season vs. nationally-ranked Missouri Southern State Saturday afternoon. The Lions are now 22-6 (13-5) after an 89-84 loss at Fort Hays State tonight.
 
 
 
 
 
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