Loper Men Stung at Emporia, 82-79

Junior forward Dallas Bear scored a game-high 24 points, thanks to 6 of 12 three-point shooting, to help Emporia State get past Nebraska Kearney, 82-79, Saturday afternoon in Kansas.

This was the "MIAA Game of the Week" and aired in the Kansas City market on the "38 The Spot." ESU moves to 5-10 (1-5) while UNK falls to 8-9 (1-5). The two teams meet Feb. 14 at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers led for nearly 28 minutes today and by as many as 13 points in the first half. However, 18 turnovers and four Hornet starters in double digits spelled doom in the end. Baer, who had just made one shot in the three previous games, was the difference. He helped erase a 33-21 deficit and then hit a triple with 3:46 remaining. That made it 71-68 Hornets, and they didn't trail gain. The Iowa native game in averaging 7.5 points per game. 

"Kudos to them for making shots. They were struggling early and got going in the second half from the three-point line," said UNK head coach Marty Levinson. "We talked about Dallas, and we knew that he could make shots, and we just didn't execute. Every time Dallas had an open look, it felt like he nailed it."

Denver senior reserve wing Tom Connelly paced the Lopers by scoring 20 thanks to 6 of 8 triple shooting. Next, Texas junior post Taylor Harrell had 10 points and seven points with Texas junior reserve forward DJ Jamerson at 10 points in nine minutes of work.

"We don't have guys that quit, lay down or point the finger. They take accountability and work at it," said Levinson. "With league play, we get them back at our place here in a couple of weeks."

The Lopers were plus six on the glass and out shot ESU by five points but made two fewer threes and three fewer free throws. Additionally, the Hornets posted a plus six turnover margin. Besides Baer's heroics, senior guard Trey Redd was close to a double double (13 points, seven assists) with freshman forward Treyvon Taylor posting one (17 points, 12 rebounds).

Before limping off late, Texas senior point guard Ja'Bryant Hill had 18 points and seven assists for the Lopers with fellow starter Anthony Swift (11 points, 10 rebounds) recording a double double.

UNK heads to Northwest Missouri and Missouri Western next week.