Kearney, Neb. – Four players scored in double figures and Concordia-St. Paul hit two free throws with a tenth of a second left in regulation to down Nebraska Kearney in overtime, 90-77, Friday night in the Twin Cities.
The game is part of the annual MIAA/NSIC Crossover Tournament. The Lopers (0-2) face Southwest Minnesota State (0-1) tomorrow at 2 p.m.
It appeared UNK would enter that game riding high as freshman point guard Nate Kelley (Scottsbluff) hit a left-wing three at the end of regulation to make it 73-71. However, officials put three-tenths of a second back on the clock, and the subsequent length-of-the-court pass went to junior forward Brandon Hrncir near the baseline. As he was trying for a tip-in, the officials ruled a Loper defender fouled him. An 82% free throw shooter in two years at Sioux Falls, Hrncir promptly knocked down both attempts.
It was a wild last 26 seconds as redshirt junior Clayton Moore (Mullen) hit a turnaround free-throw-line jumper to tie the game at 70. Kelley then deflected a backdoor entry pass that Moore pounced on with 3.9 seconds remaining. He tried a length-of-the-court pass, possibly to Kelley, but it slipped out of his hands and guard Ryan Johnson stole it near the Bears' free-throw line. He went 1 of 2 at the line and that set up Moore's second long pass. This one was deflected by two CSP players with Kelley grabbing the loose ball, stepping back and hitting his lone three of the night.
The Golden Bears outscored the stunned Lopers 17-4 in the extra five minutes. They went 5 of 6 from the field and 6 of 6 at the line with Hrncir (seven points; 4 of 4 FT's) doing the most damage. UNK was just 1 of 8 from the field (0 of 5 threes) and committed a turnover.
Overcoming a 13-point first-half deficit, UNK was once again paced by sophomore lefty Zeek Brown (Kansas City). He had 19 points in 26 minutes off the bench, making two triples and drawing seven fouls. Next, Moore had 15 points, seven boards and three steals with junior newcomer Tavian Cruse (Bonner Springs, Kan.) at 11 points and five assists. Finally, Kelley provided 11 points, four boards and three dimes.
Outrebounding the Lopers by 11, CSP was led by Hrncir (21 points, eight rebounds), senior guard Owen Carlson (20 points) and graduate forward Jaden Wysocki (18 points, seven boards).
Southwest lost 54-53 tonight to Fort Hays State. The Tigers tallied a tip-in bucket with 15 seconds left to prevail.
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University of Nebraska Kearney
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