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Kearney, Neb.- Lopers’ Allen Taylor had a game-high 21, but was not enough to push the Lopers past Dakota State as the Trojans spoiled the home opener 78-76.
The Lopers (0-3) have now lost all three by a combined total of 8 points. Due to NAIA contest rules, Dakota State had to play this game as an exhibition.
It was all Lopers in the first half, with the Lopers taking a 39-29 lead after 20 minutes of play. The Lopers shot 37 percent from the floor in the first half, and graduate guard Allen Taylor was able to get a buzzer-beater to go, which was later overturned after review. The Trojans also shot 37 percent from the floor but made three fewer shots than the Lopers.
To start the 2nd half the Trojans made their first 8 shots to start 8-8 from the floor. The Trojans ended up shooting a shade over 49 percent from the floor.
The Lopers had a chance late in the 2nd half after graduate guard Allen Taylor made three threes in the span of 1:43 to pull the Lopers within two. Taylor then got a steal that led to a Kendrick Gilbert fastbreak layup, and then two free throws from Chase Thompson tied the game up for the Lopers. UNK had a chance to win or tie the game, but freshman guard Tyler Beckwith blocked a three by Taylor hit iron and then a Gilbert putback attempt. The Lopers did get another crack but that was about a 55-heave at the buzzer that fell well short.
“They came out in the second half and found the right guys. They shot the ball well .. they were pretty uncontested, so we had some breakdowns defensively,” said Loper head coach Marty Levinson. “This was the first time we’ve seen a matchup zone like that. That takes away your play calls because they just switch everything,”
UNK is back in action in six days as the Lopers will travel to instate rival Wayne State (2-0). The Lopers return home on November 26th against York University.
