Kearney, Neb. – The Missouri Southern Men's Basketball team traveled to take on the team traveled to take on the University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers. Tyrique Brooks poured in 21 points, while Martin Macenis added 18 to lead the Lions' scoring. On the defensive end, Tyrone Wright anchored the team with 10 rebounds.
Missouri Southern (11-15, 6-11 MIAA) vs. Nebraska - Kearney (11-14, 9-8 MIAA)
1st Half:
The Lions answered a Lopers three-pointer with a two-point lead, fueled by Tyrique Brooks (free throw), Martin Macenis (free throws), and Tyrone Wright (dunk). Nebraska-Kearney responded with six straight points to take a two-point advantage, but Macenis halted their momentum with a jumper, and Brooks evened the score at 14-14 with 12:32 remaining.
Isaiah Atwater and Taylor combined to push the Lions' lead to four points with 8:41 left. The Lopers battled back, cutting the deficit to two with 4:50 remaining. Macenis responded with a three-pointer, followed by an Atwater triple, extending Southern's lead back to six with under four minutes to play. Nebraska-Kearney tied the game in the final seconds, but Macenis came through at the free-throw line to give Southern a narrow 38-37 lead at halftime.
2nd Half:
Martin Macenis and Tyrique Brooks combined for the Lions' first points of the half, making it 42-40. Moments later, Tyrone Wright added a jumper to push Southern ahead by four, 44-40, with 17:49 remaining. Tyriqe Jackson extended the lead with a layup, followed by another layup from Brooks at the 16:22 mark. Nebraska-Kearney responded with back-to-back baskets to cut the deficit to four, but Brooks answered from beyond the arc, giving the Lions a 53-46 lead with 14:26 on the clock.
The Lopers went on an 8-0 rally to take the lead, 57-53, but Jackson halted their momentum with a jumper at 10:49 remaining. Macenis evened the score at 60-60 with 9:05 on the clock. Nebraska-Kearney responded with a second 9-0 rally, taking a nine-point lead at 69-60. The Lions worked to close their deficit with eight points from Brooks, 76-68, with 2:48 remaining. The Lopers held their advantage for the 88-78 win.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Points: Tyrique Brooks - 21
Rebounds: Tyrone Wright - 10
Assists: Martin Macenis - 9
Steals: Jaden Taylor - 2
Blocks: Tyrone Wright - 2
Nebraska - Kearney Leaders:
Points: Allen Taylor - 24
Rebounds: Allen Taylor - 8
Assists: Ja'Bryant Hill - 4
Steals: Ja'Bryant Hill / Trey Hepburn - 4
Blocks: Trey Hepburn / DJ Jamerson - 1
Up Next:
The Lions will return to their home court on Thursday, February 27, when they host the University of Central Missouri Mules. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
-Lions-
