The University of Nebraska at Omaha men's basketball team shot 62 percent in the second half, allowing it to coast to a 79-69 North Central Conference victory over Minnesota Duluth Thursday night at Sapp Fieldhouse.

The Mavericks, ranked No. 5 in the North Central region, improve to 21-5 on the year, 7-4 in NCC play. The Bulldogs drop to 9-17, 2-9.

Denny Johnston continued his torrid shooting, going 9-for-12, including 4-for-6 from 3-point range, for 22 points to lead UNO. Michael Jenkins scored 19, with three 3-pointers. Jerry Bennett led the team with 10 rebounds.

UMD had the hot hands at first, with two 7-0 bursts in the early going to take a 17-7 lead just six minutes in. Tyler Albers converted two free throws, then hit a 3-pointer to spark an 11-0 run for the Mavericks, taking a 21-17 lead midway through the half. UNO would go on to take a 38-32 halftime lead.

Johnston scored 13 second-half points to lead the Mavericks, as the team hit 16 of 26 shots for 61.5 percent. UNO built its lead to as many as 19 with six minutes to play before the Bulldogs were finally able to chip away in the waning moments.

The Mavericks close out the final NCC regular season Saturday against first-place Minnesota State at 4 p.m.