KEARNEY, Neb. – The No. 16 Missouri Western men's basketball team had its four-game winning streak snapped Thursday night as they lost at Nebraska-Kearney 75-67.  The Griffons fall to 8-2 on the season and UNK improves to 4-6.

MWSU struggled early in the game as the Lopers built an eight-point lead, 21-13, before the Griffs rallied and used a 12-3 to run to end the half and they led 25-24.

Nebraska-Kearney then made three consecutive three-point field goals to start the second half to regain the lead and never trailed again.  UNK outscored Western 27-10 in the first nine minutes of the second half and led 51-35 before Missouri Western made one last rally.

The Griffons used a 13-3 run to pull within three points, 60-57, with just under five minutes left in regulation and eventually trailed 65-63 with 2:22 left.  But that was as close at MWSU would get as Nebraska-Kearney made 8-of-9 free throws down the stretch to seal the upset.

Missouri Western came into the game leading the MIAA in three-point field goal defense at 26.4%, but the Lopers made 11-of-29 three-pointers and 9-of-17 in the second half.  MWSU shot just 3-of-20 from behind the three-point line and 41.3% (26-63) overall.  UNK also outrebounded the Griffons 43-36.

Tyrell Carroll led the Griffs with 19 points, seven rebounds five steals and three assists.  Q Mays added 15 points and Caleb Bennett scored 12.

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Missouri Western travels to Fort Hays State (3-7) Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. tip off against the Tigers.  All Griffon basketball games will air live on the Griffon Sports Network (680 AM/95.3 FM) and the MIAA Network.