Kearney, Neb. – Sophomore guard Reese Glover stuck his sixth three pointer of the day with 26 seconds left to help Missouri Western State edge Nebraska-Kearney, 74-72, Saturday afternoon in St. Joseph.
The Griffons (13-9) tied for third in the final standings and avenge a 75-67 loss to the Lopers (8-14) earlier this year. This was the regular season finale for both; the MIAA Tournament begins Wednesday.
UNK led for nearly the entire way and by as many as 15 points but couldn’t contain Glover, who hit four treys after the break, and the Griffons on the glass. Mo West had 13 offensive rebounds in the second half, many of the long variety, which led to 19 second chance points. The last o-board, after a missed layup, led to Glover’s winning shot.
“The story of the game, or at least in the second half, was his (Glover) three pointers and about four or five times they were able to get offensive rebounds that ended in points for them. The combination of those two things pretty much sealed our fate,” UNK head coach Kevin Lofton said on the KRVN radio post game show. “We knew he (Glover) could shoot it and the long range part wasn’t a surprise. Our guys knew it going in.”
California redshirt sophomore guard Myles Arnold had a chance to win it but his deep three from the left wing with two seconds left hit iron instead of net. The Lopers had called timeout with 18 seconds left to setup the final play. An Arnold jumper with 1:09 left gave UNK a 72-70 lead and then the Griffs went one of two at the line soon after. A Glover steal at the 37 second mark led to his winning shot.
“This feels a lot like Lincoln (last Saturday). Did enough to win but needed one more play,” Lofton said. “At times we played really well. This mirrored a lot of games where we did everything to put ourselves into position to win but just couldn’t do it.”
Arnold was one of four Lopers in double figures and scored a team-high 20. He made 8 of 13 shots including 3 of 6 threes. He also had a season-best nine rebounds as well as two blocks and two assists. Next, New Zealand junior Matt Brien had his first double double (15 points & 10 rebounds) as a Loper with Utah junior Darrian Nebeker once again in double figures (14). He worked around foul trouble to make 5 of 9 shots and had three swats at the defensive end. Finally, Alliance senior forward Austin Luger (13) and Texas senior RJ Pair (10) were in double figures. UNK shot an even 50 percent (29 of 58) from the field but was 8 of 23 from long range and saw MWSU hit 11 threes.
“We had a play called (out of the time out) but they did a great job of denying entry. We weren’t even able to get into the play … we wanted to get Darrian on the weak side wing and let him to attack the basket.”
For Missouri Western Glover ended with 18 on 6 of 13 three-point shooting with guard Tyrell Carroll at 21 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, six fouls drawn and three steals. Reserve Alex John and starter Caleb Benett had 12 apiece and combined for 10 rebounds.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our guys. We made strides and for that I’m thankful,” Lofton said. “You go up and down the line and guys have gotten better as we’ve gone along. Hopefully we can build on that.”
UNK Unable To Hold Off Missouri Western
