KEARNEY, Neb. - Sean Murphy scored a career-high 25 points and snagged 17 rebounds but Nebraska-Kearney fell to Missouri Southern 73-55 on Thursday night.

The Lions (13-12) never trailed and pulled away in the second half to get the win. UNK (5-20) cut its deficit to 16-14 midway through the first half but failed to tie or take the lead while both teams were scoreless for nearly three minutes. MSSU then closed the half on a 21-13 run to lead by 10 at the break.

The Lions scored the first nine points of the second half to put the game out of reach. UNK shot just 33% from the field and couldn't manage enough offense to mount a comeback.

The Lopers were shorthanded for the contest. Starter Sean Evans missed the game with an illness, leaving UNK with just eight players suited up. UNK has lost 15 straight games after starting the season 5-5.

UNK... 27, 28 = 55

MSSU... 37, 36 = 74

UNK: Murphy 25, Samuels 10, Cook 9, King 8, Goldsmith 3

MSSU: Dawson 22, Macenis 18, Sigmon 15, Jenkins 7, Taggart 6, Duff 3, Dessesow 2