Week 4 Preview: UNK's Final Fall Semester Tests are RSU and NSU

Men's Basketball 12/16/2020 8:27:00 PM

Week 4 Preview: UNK's Final Fall Semester Tests are RSU and NSU

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team closes out the first semester with home games against the Rogers State Hillcats and Northeastern State RiverHawks this weekend.

Due to winter commencement ceremonies in the Health & Sports Center the contests will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. (RSU) and Sunday at 3 p.m. (NSU). Catch the action via The MIAA Network, KRVN FM (93.1 and 106.9) and live stats.

Last year Rogers went 24-6 and earned a spot in the canceled NCAA Tournament. UNK handed the 'Cats a 62-58 setback in Claremore in early December. RSU did win in Kearney later in the year, 78-66.

Hit hard by graduation and playing an early tough schedule (opponents currently a combined 19-5), Rogers is 1-4 which includes an overtime win and overtime loss. Averaging 75 points per game, the 'Cats are allowing 81 points on 47% field goal shooting. Opponents also have a plus 3.6 rebounding margin and are making 20 free throws a game.

Transfer Devin Pullum, a two-time All-Lone Star Conference pick at Eastern New Mexico, leads the way at 16.2 points per game. The 6-2 senior guard is 12 for 12 at the line and shooting 48% from the field. Four others are in double figures including sophomore guard Jett Sternberger (13.1). He is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers tight end Jace Sternberger. Finally, RSU has two players listed at 6-8 and weighing over 240 pounds.

NSU (1-3) is surrendering 88 points through its first four games. The 'Hawks are allowing teams to shoot 51% from the field in addition to allowing 27 free throw attempts per game. Northeastern State went 18-11 last year, winning in Kearney by 11 and losing at home to the Lopers in OT.

A balanced attack has four in double digits led by 6-2 senior guard Caleb Williams (18.0 points per game) and 6-7 junior forward Trey Sampson (15.7 ppg).

Through five games UNK ranks third in the MIAA in defending the three point shot (30.6 pct.) and assists per game (13.2) while ranking fifth in assist-to-turnover ratio (0.96).

Utah senior guard Jake Walker leads in scoring (18.3) thanks to 78% free throw shooting and seven made triples. His average ranks sixth best in the league. Next, Alliance senior post Austin Luger has recorded back-to-back doubles to be at 12.7 points and a team-best 8.3 boards a night with Lincoln senior Sam Morris (58.8) and junior Darrian Nebeker (50.0) both making half their field goal attempts.

The Division II winter moratorium (no practices or games) runs from December 21-27. UNK will get around 10 days of practice before heading to Lincoln and Central Missouri January 7-9.

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Players Mentioned

#30 Austin Luger: F; 6' 8"; Junior

#2 Sam Morris: G/F; 6' 5"; Redshirt Junior

#23 Jake Walker: G; 6' 2"; Junior

#5 Darrian Nebeker: F; 6' 6"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#30 Austin Luger
: 6' 8"; Junior
: F

#2 Sam Morris
: 6' 5"; Redshirt Junior
: G/F

#23 Jake Walker
: 6' 2"; Junior
: G

#5 Darrian Nebeker
: 6' 6"; Junior
: F