Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team returns to the road this weekend as it travels to Missouri Western on Thursday night and two-time defending national champion Northwest Missouri on Saturday afternoon.

This quick road swing is followed by a four-game home stand that starts next Thursday (Jan. 20) night vs. Pittsburg State. Check the Loper men's basketball schedule page for tip times and media links for all these games.

The Lopers (5-9, 1-7) have already played nine games decided by 16 points or less and nine games away from home. UNK starts the week ranked second in the MIAA in three-point percentage (37.9) and third in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.29) and assists per game (14.7). Individually, the Lopers have two of the league's top 10 rebounders in Darrian Nebeker (6.3) and Sean Murphy (6.1).

Nebeker also ranks fifth in field goal percentage (56.9) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.8) and third in assists per game (4.4). Point guard David Simental is fifth in apg (4.1) while ranking second in minutes (35.6) and 11th in scoring (15.3).

Each of the last five Loper-Griffon game have been decided by eight points or less. Mo West (8-8, 4-4) currently is on a four-game losing streak but is 6-3 in St. Joe.

Lincoln Southwest graduate JaQuaylon Mays is among the MIAA's top scorers (19.5 ppg). He is shooting 60% at the line, 44% from the field and is one of four Griffs with at least 22 made 3's. Next, sophomore post Will Eames (12.9 points & 8.9 rebounds) is close to a double double with sophomore guard Reese Glover as a team-beat 43 triples. Finally, UNK lead the all-time series by a 20-17 margin.

Northwest (13-1, 6-0) is rolling once again, ranked number two in both D2 national polls. Guards Trevor Hudgins (24.6 points & 4.1 assists) and Diego Bernard (12.1 points & 1.7 steals) lead the way with the 'Cats on an 11-game winning streak heading into a Wednesday road battle at Fort Hays State. They've won 11 of the 12 all-time meetings with UNK.