TOPEKA, Kan. – The No. 2 ranked Washburn Ichabods turned a tight first half into a dominant victory, defeating Nebraska-Kearney 92-64 in its MIAA opener at Lee Arena. The Ichabods improved to 9-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play after erasing a 41-39 halftime deficit with a commanding second half that saw them outscore the Lopers 53-23.
Nebraska-Kearney (4-4, 0-1 MIAA) controlled much of the first half, building its largest lead of seven points at the 14:59 mark. Washburn responded with a 9-0 run midway through the period, highlighted by Marcus Glock's 3-pointer and Bryson Smith's transition basket, to briefly take the lead. The Lopers regained momentum late in the half behind Clayton Moore and Kendrick Gilbert, who combined for 17 first-half points, and went into the break ahead by two.
The second half was all Washburn. The Ichabods opened with a 7-0 spurt to reclaim the lead and then delivered the knockout blow with an 11-0 run starting at 6:03, fueled by defensive stops and fast-break finishes. Washburn's relentless pace produced 26 fast-break points and 54 points in the paint for the game. The Ichabods also dominated the glass, grabbing 40 rebounds to UNK's 33, and converted nine offensive boards into 16 second-chance points.
Marcus Glock led Washburn with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including three triples, adding two assists and two steals. Bryson Smith matched him with 15 points and five rebounds, while Dillon Claussen contributed 13 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Tyson Ruud recorded his first a double-double with 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Jack Bachelor chipped in 12 points and five assists, and Amalachi Wilkins provided a spark off the bench with eight points on perfect shooting and four rebounds.
Washburn finished the night shooting 50 percent from the field, 31 percent from three-point range, and 76 percent at the line. The Ichabods forced 18 turnovers, turning them into 23 points, and held UNK to just 20 percent shooting in the second half after the Lopers hit 48.5 percent before halftime.
The win extended Washburn's homecourt winning streak to 19 dating back to last season.
Washburn will return to the court on Saturday hosting Fort Hays State at 3 p.m. in Lee Arena.
