Despite hitting only one third of its shots, the University of Nebraska-Omaha men's basketball team survived a physical battle with North Dakota, taking a 52-50 North Central Conference victory Saturday afternoon at Sapp Fieldhouse.
The win improves UNO to 12-13 on the year, 3-7 in the NCC. The Sioux fall to 11-15, 3-8. With a loss by Augustana, the Mavericks move into fifth place in conference, one game behind Minnesota Duluth for fourth place and a home game in the first round of the conference tournament.
Michael Jenkins led the Mavericks with 19 points, adding six rebounds and two assists.
Zac Robinson added 12.
The score stood tied at 23-23 at halftime, as neither team could find an offensive rhythm. The Mavs hit only 31.3 percent of their shot attempts, while the Sioux shot 38.1 percent. Six offensive rebounds helped UNO attempt 11 more shots, allowing them to keep the score even.
North Dakota warmed up to open the second half, gradually building a seven-point lead with nine minutes remaining. Two free throws by Robinson started a rally with 5:16 left. A steal and layup by
Matt Newman, then Robinson's only 3-pointer of the game tied the score with 3:39 left, at 46-46.
UNO got four more points from Jenkins and two from Robinson in the final minutes, and a key blocked shot by
Jerry Bennett helped the Mavs hang on for a critical win.
The Mavericks close out the regular season on the road next week, visiting Minnesota Duluth Thursday, then Minnesota State, Mankato on Saturday.
