KEARNEY, Neb. - Missouri Western men's basketball (12-6, 4-4 MIAA) got off to a 21-11 start in the first half and never looked back in an 83-72 win at Nebraska-Kearney (6-9, 4-3 MIAA) on Saturday at the UNK Health and Fitness Center.

Missouri Western was hot from the jump, getting off to an 8-3 start in the first four minutes. The Griffons never trailed and took a 42-33 lead into the locker room.

Nebraska-Kearney, who had won four straight games coming in, showed fight in the second half, getting back to within 45-39 with 17:15 to go. The Griffs responded with a 7-0 run, however, to go up 52-39 with 14:41 remaining. 

The Griffon lead grew to 57-42 after a Justin Bubak three-pointer with 13 minutes left, but again, UNK made a push, as a Taylor Allen three-ball got the Lopers to within 60-54 with 8:56 to go.

Missouri Western, however, got themselves into the bonus, and knocked down more than enough free throws to put it away. The Griffs led by  at least 11 points for the final 5:28 of the game. MWSU was 13-of-15 on the free throw line in the second half, and 21-of-24 on the day.

Zane Nelson led Western with 20 points, seven assists and six assists. Julius Dixon tied a season-high with 18 points and logged his second double-double of the season with a team-high 11 rebounds. Justin Bubak scored a career-high 18 points. Zion Swader, who missed Thursday's game at Fort Hays State, came back strong with 15 points on a 7-for-7 effort at the foul line. He also had six rebounds and three assists.

MWSU shot 50.9% (28-of-55) from the field and 6-of-20 (30%) from three. UNK was held to 23-of-61 (37.7%) shooting, including a 7-of-23 mark from three. UNK was 19-of-27 at the free throw line.

Missouri Western's 83 points are the most they've put up against an NCAA Division II opponent this year, and Saturday marked the Griffions' first win at Nebraska-Kearney since February 2022.

Missouri Western is back home to face Central Missouri (9-8, 4-4 MIAA) on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen) and streamed on the MIAA Network.