Box Score
OMAHA, Neb. - The Mavericks led nearly the entire game but they never built a double-digit lead until the final five minutes to pull away in an 83-72 win over Emporia State Thursday afternoon at Sapp Fieldhouse.
Nebraska-Omaha (10-1, 3-1 MIAA) put five players in double figures with #
Andrew Bridger leading with 18 points. Jeff Martin went 6-of-10 from the field for 15 points and Tyler Bullock was 5-of-9 for 15 as well. Dion Curry was strong inside with 13 points and Matt Newman# had 11 points.
Newman added a team-high 11 points for a double-double, his third in the last five games.
The Mavericks shot 55 percent, topping the 50-percent marker for the eighth time this year. They were 39 percent from long range and 68 percent from the free throw line. ESU was 41 percent from the field, 24 percent from 3-point range and 63 percent from the line.
The Hornets never led in the game but they managed to tie the score five times. UNO jumped out to an 8-0 lead to start the game and then ESU's 8-0 run tied the score. There were three quick ties after that before UNO went back up by seven, 23-16 at the 9:40 mark.
Bridger's 3-pointer at the 6:15 mark gave UNO an eight-point lead. A 3 by Martin in the final minute also gave UNO an eight point lead at halftime, 37-29.
The Hornets went on an 11-3 run to open the second half and tie the score for the final time, 40-40 at the 16:22 mark.
UNO regained the lead after that but never got it above six until an 8-0 run gave UNO a 70-59 lead with 5:16 remaining. The Hornets got within nine in the final five minutes but never any closer.
UNO will continue action Saturday at 3:30 p.m. against Missouri Western at Sapp Fieldhouse.
