KEARNEY, Neb – Griffon men's basketball (3-14) fell to Nebraska Kearney (8-10) 78-71. Missouri Western used a 16-5 run in the second half to cut the UNK lead to four points with 2:15 left in the game.  However it would not be enough as the Lopers pulled away in the final two minutes.
 
MWSU looked poised to win on the road early in the game. The Griffons used a 14-2 run in after the first media timeout to take a nine point lead with 11:12 left in the first half. The nine point lead would be Missouri Western's largest lead of the game.
 
Nebraska Kearney answered the Griffons with a 20-2 run over the next five minutes and built a 13-point halftime lead. MWSU wouldn't go away quietly and outscored the Lopers 41-35 in the second half.
 
NOTABLES

• Missouri Western scored its most points since at Jan. 3 at Pittsburg State
• MWSU had three players score in double figures
• The Griffons won the turnover margin 13-11
• Lavon Hightower and TJ Evans each scored 20 points, it is the second time this season both have scored at least 20 points
• UNK's Trey Lansman recorded a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds

 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western closes out its three-game road stretch on Saturday, Jan. 27 at No. 2 Northwest Missouri with a 3:30 p.m. tip-off.