A 20-0 first-half run propelled Wayne State to an easy 87-58 win over in-state rival Nebraska-Kearney in men’s college basketball action Tuesday at Rice Auditorium.
The visiting Lopers got out to an early 8-3 advantage and led 18-14 before the Wildcats put together their first scoring run, highlighted by back-to-back baskets by Tony Bonner, to take a 21-18 advantage.
After UNK scored to make it 21-20, the Wildcats responded with a 20-0 run over six minutes to take a 41-20 lead, settling for a 45-29 advantage at intermission.
UNK closed the first-half deficit to 10 at 51-41 five minutes into the second half, but the Wildcats rebuilt the lead to 20 points on a Nick Ferrarini 3-pointer with 8:40 to go and extended the lead to as many as 31 points before closing out the easy win.
The Wildcats shot 49.3 percent (33-of-67) from the floor and had five players finish in double figures, led by Vance Janssen’s 17 points. Jordan Janssen had 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double in three games, while Kendall Jacks added 13 points, Ferrarini scored 12 and Bonner had 10.
Wayne State outrebounded UNK 39-38, led by Jordan Janssen’s 10 rebounds. Trevin Joseph and Ben Dentlinger each had six. Wayne State had just seven turnovers in the contest compared to UNK’s 18. Dentlinger had five blocked shots and Al’Tavius Jackson led the offense with three assists.
Wayne State (5-1) opens Northern Sun Conference play on Saturday with a 5:30 p.m. contest at Augustana.
