UNK MBB: Loper Rally Falls Short, 66-59

Kearney, Neb. – The Arkansas-Ft. Smith Lions used a balanced attack and got off to a fast start to hold off Nebraska Kearney, 65-59, Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.

This was the only meeting between UAFS (9-12, 3-9) and UNK (7-13, 5-7) this season. This is the Lions first year in the MIAA and they took the only other matchup between the two, 86-75 in 2017. 

Both teams have suffered more than their fair share of close losses this with the Lopers, unfortunately, now at seven setbacks by a combined 22 points. UNK never led but almost came back from an 18-point second half deficit thanks to 23 of 24 free throw shooting and improved energy.

"We fought to the buzzer which is a Tom Kropp staple; you play for 40 minutes," said UNK head coach Marty Levinson on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "But we didn't come out revved up for whatever reason. Our preparation had been good all week, so I don't know why we were a little bit flat."

An 18-4 run whittled the Lions lead to just two with five minutes left, 55-53. The spurt featured six points from sophomore reserve forward DJ Jamerson (Cibolo, Texas), four free throws from junior guard Ja'Bryant Hill (Duncanville, Texas) and two buckets by junior wing Kendrick Gilbert (St. Louis).

After Gilbert's second layup, Jamerson had a "SportsCenter Top 10" worthy block on a Lions shot at the rim. He then had a chance to give the Lopers its first lead but a three from the right wing was long. UNK got the deficit to one soon after, but UAFS responded with a shot in the paint. Finally, senior wing Chase Thompson (Omaha Westside) saw his three from the right wing find iron at the 1:14 mark and the Lions up 62-59.

"They did a good job of finding the cutters at the right time and, early on, (post) Isaiah Lewis got to wherever he wanted to on the floor," said Levinson.

Shooting close to 25% for much of the second half, UAFS made 3 of its last 5 shots and went 6 of 9 free throws. It was a tale of two halves as the Lopers were 6 of 24 (24%) from the field in the first half but closer to 50% after the break. However, they missed 5 of their last 6 shots.

Division I transfers Roland McCoy (13) and VJ Reeves (12) led the Lions in scoring as they combined to go 7 of 9 from behind the arc. Central Missouri transfer Kobe Campbell totaled 10 points with six others between two and nine points. Finally, UAFS was up 37-23 at the break thanks to six threes and 10 bench points.  

For UNK, Hill had a team-best 19 points thanks to 10 of 10 free throw shooting. Both he and Thompson (12) made four shots with Gilbert (12) having his fourth double digit game of the season. Finally, Jamerson provided a spark off the bench; six points, three rebounds, and two blocks in 18 minutes.

"DJ is a highlight-reel waiting to happen. He plays with such a motor and his passion is what righted out energy today, kind of like he did at Rogers State," said Levinson. “He has a bright future in our program and in the classroom.”

UNK hosts Northeastern State Saturday afternoon. The RiverHawks (13-8, 7-5) fell tonight at Fort Hays State, 61-48.