The University of Nebraska at Omaha matched its best start to a season in modern school history with a 76-66 non-conference victory over cross-state rival Nebraska-Kearney before a standing room crowd at Sapp Fieldhouse Monday night.
The Mavericks improved to 15-1, matching their start to the 2004-05 season. The 1931-32 team recorded a 20-0 season. The Lopers fell to 6-9.
Jerry Bennett posted his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 18 points with 15 rebounds.
Denny Johnston was the team's high scorer with 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including 3-for-4 from 3-point range.
The Mavs also shined on defense, as
Andrew Bridger nabbed eight steals. He added 13 points and tied his season high with eight assists. Bennett had four steals with three blocked shots.
The first seven minutes of the game were a back-and-forth affair, but UNO went on an 11-2 run over a seven minute span, preventing the Lopers from scoring for more than five minutes. The Mavs led at the half, 37-26.
UNK suffered through another five-plus minute drought in the second half, allowing the Mavs to roll off 11 in a row to put the game out of reach.
Drake Benarek had a great showing, scoring a game-high 30 points with 16 rebounds, adding four assists.
The Mavericks return to North Central Conference play Saturday, visiting Minnesota Duluth. Their next home contest will be January 26 against North Dakota.
