ST. CLOUD, Minn. --
Michael Jenkins' 26 points, and a 16-point, seven-assist effort from
Andrew Bridger helped the University of Nebraska-Omaha men's basketball team to an 88-66 season-opening victory over Mary at the American Family Hoopster Classic at St. Cloud State.
UNO (1-0) found itself behind 8-2 in the first two minutes, but a 3-pointer, then a three-point play from Jenkins helped the Mavs to a 10-8 lead. Mary (0-1) went on a 15-0 run from that point, to take a 23-8 advantage. The Mavericks remained undaunted, however, going on a 21-7 run to shave the lead all the way down to one point at 30-29 with 6:45 remaining in the half. A three-point play from
Justin Petersen, and solid free-throw shooting by Jenkins finally gave the Mavs the lead soon after. Jenkins, one of the top free-throw shooting in the nation last year, went 9-for-9 from the line to go with 8-for-15 on field goals. A 3-pointer by freshman
Mitch Albers in the final seconds put UNO ahead by 10 at the half, 48-38.
Bridger hit two of his team-high four 3-pointers early in the second half to help the Mavericks extend their lead, which never dipped below double-digits throughout the second half.
Petersen led the team with 10 rebounds, adding seven points. Senior
Denny Johnston had a solid all-around game, scoring 11 points with nine rebounds, three assists and a steal.
The Mavericks will take on Bemidji State, a team they have not faced since 1972, Saturday at 6 p.m. to close out their opening weekend.
