KEARNEY, Neb. -- The 14th-ranked Bellevue University men's basketball team posted a 73-65 win over NCAA Division II foe the University of Nebraska at Kearney Thursday night at the Health and Sports Center.
With the win, Bellevue improved to 8-2 while Nebraska-Kearney fell to 2-5 overall.
Given Kalipinde paced the Bruins with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals while Lee Ames added 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Taylor Young recorded 11 points, two rebounds and two assists and Isaiah Strong chipped in 10 points and three assists.
Darren Redstar notched a season-high 11 rebounds and two blocks off the bench.
The opening period featured seven ties and five lead changes. Trailing 30-28, the Bruins closed the stanza on a 9-0 run to take a 37-30 lead at halftime. BU shot 48.3 percent from the field and made four 3-pointers.
The Bruins led the entire second half en route to the eight-point win, 73-65. Kalipinde scored 12 points in second period to pace BU.
Mike Dentlinger led the Lopers with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Davion Pearson added 16 points and six assists.
The BU men's basketball team will return to action on Dec. 21-23 for the Saint Xaiver (Ill.) Midwest Tournament in Chicago, Ill. The Bruins open tournament action against ninth-ranked Davenport University on Dec. 21 at 6:00 p.m..
Geame Scoring
Bellevue....................37--36--73
Nebraska-Kearney...30-35--65
BU: Kalipinde, 14; Ames, 12; Young, Taylor, 11; Strong, 10; Hammock, 8; Dotson, 6; Leach, 4; Redstar, 4; Chonis, 4.
UNK: Dentlinger, 18; Pearson, 16; Beranek, 10; Shields, 10; Dineen, 7; Glidden, 2; Clemens, 2.