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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Tough Road Test to End 2023

Tom Connelly
Erika Pritchard, UNK Communications

Men's Basketball | 12/28/2023 11:41:00 AM

Kearney, Neb. – Before the start of the New Year, the Nebraska Kearney men's basketball team faces a huge challenge as it travels to No. 5 Central Oklahoma on Friday night.

The game with the Bronchos (11-1, 3-1) was originally set for the weekend of Dec. 15-17, However, UCO – along with three other MIAA schools – headed to Las Vegas to take part in the "High Desert Classic" Dec. 18-19. The event honors the memory of former Central Missouri Athletics Director Jerry Hughes; the Mules used to annually co-host an invite in Las Vegas every December.

The contest, which tips at 7:30 p.m., is available on The MIAA Network and The River 93.1/106.9 KRVN FM.

UNK (5-5, 2-3) and UCO were both off Dec. 20-26 so this is a quick turnaround for the 26th all-time meeting between the two. The 'Chos have a busy start to 2024 as they host Fort Hays State Dec. 31 and then have road games on Jan. 4 and Jan. 6.

Central Oklahoma has flummoxed many a Loper team as UNK is just 5-20 in the series. That includes an 0-11 mark in Hamilton Fieldhouse in a series that began in 1960. UCO has taken the last seven games with the last Loper victory coming at home in Feb. 2020.

Head coach Bob Hoffman, who has over 700 career wins in leading men's and women's college teams and American men's professional squads, has a group with a plus 19 scoring margin. Outside of a 75-66 loss at Pittsburg State, only two other UCO games have been decided by 10 points or less.

The 'Chos are solid from the field (47%) and line (73%) while limiting the opposition from behind the arc (29%). Next, UCO has a plus 6.3 turnover and a plus 4.2 rebounding margin. Finally, 11 different players have appeared in at least 11 games.

Individually, junior guard Jaden Wells (18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists) leads the way and is followed by junior point guard Danquez Dawsey (13.1 points, 6.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds) and 6-10 junior forward Luke Haasl (10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds).  

UNK will counter with continued solid shooting (49%) from the floor as well as a nearly even effort on the glass with the opposition. Five average in double figures, led by California junior lefty Damiri Lindo (13.9), with New Zealand junior Sean Murphy continuing to be a force on the boards (8.9). His tally includes 24 o-caroms.

Opponents have attempted 70 more freebies than the Lopers and are shooting 41% from behind the arc to average just under 10 trey a night. Finally, UNK has held three teams under 80 points and is 1-2 against nationally-ranked teams to date. 

The Blue & Gold hosts Lincoln (8-2, 3-1) and UCM (5-5, 0-4) next weekend at Buckle Court.
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Sean Murphy

#21 Sean Murphy

F
6' 6"
Sophomore
Damiri Lindo

#9 Damiri Lindo

F
6' 5"
Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

Sean Murphy

#21 Sean Murphy

6' 6"
Sophomore
F
Damiri Lindo

#9 Damiri Lindo

6' 5"
Redshirt Junior
F