KEARNEY, Neb. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team outscored the University of Nebraska at Kearney in the second half, 47-43, but the Mountain Lions could not overcome a 14-point first half deficit.  UCCS fell to the Lopers Saturday afternoon, 83-73. 
 
UCCS came on strong in the second half, shooting 45.5 percent from the floor (15-33) after hitting only 8-of-36 in the first half (22.2 percent).  After going 0-for-12 from long distance in the first 20 minutes, the Mountain Lions sank four treys in the second half.
 
Four Mountain Lions scored in double figures behind Padiet Wang's team high 15 points.  Wang made 5-of-8 from the floor and 4-of-8 free throws while pulling down four rebounds and dishing out two assists.
 
DaRaun Clark was a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe as part of his 14 points.  Blend Avdili came off the bench to net 13 points on 5-of-9 field goals.  He added a team high six caroms and three dimes.  Clark and Avdili were part of a bench unit that outscored the Lopers bench, 34-27.
 
Dalton Walker and Elijah Ross chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
 
Both teams tallied 39 rebounds but the Mountain Lions held a 17-5 rebound advantage on the offensive glass, resulting in 12 second half points to the Lopers five.  UCCS forced UNK to commit 21 turnovers and posted 28 points from their turnovers.
 
The Mountain Lions (1-2) will play at Fort Hays State University Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. (MT).