UNK men’s and women’s basketball teams have entered the heart of conference play, with both programs sitting at 10–11 overall as they continue to navigate the demanding MIAA schedule.
While their records mirror each other, the situations differ. The Loper women hold a 4–6 conference mark and have shown an ability to compete deep into games, while the men sit at 3–7 in league play and are searching for consistency as the season moves into its final stages.
Both teams have displayed flashes of what they can be, but sustaining those performances remains the challenge.
For the Loper women, late-game execution has been the foundation of their success. UNK has shown an ability to control games when pressure is applied consistently, particularly in close fourth-quarter situations. That was evident in a 65–57 home win over Central Oklahoma last weekend, when the Lopers held the Bronchos to one point in the final minutes of the contest and limited Central Oklahoma to 4-of-18 shooting in the final quarter.
Senior guard Jillian Aschoff has been central to UNK’s production, providing steady scoring and leadership. Aschoff scored 20 points against Central Oklahoma while playing all 40 minutes and has been a consistent presence all season. She has posted two triple-doubles this season and is one of only two players in Division II with multiple this year.
Depth has been both a challenge and a growing strength for the Lopers. UNK has worked players back into the rotation after injuries, which has helped them stay competitive against MIAA opponents. Getting injured players back has helped the Lopers regain flexibility within their rotation, giving them more options as conference play intensifies.
“We’ve dealt with injuries a lot this year, so we’ve had to morph and plan our style around who’s available,” said Drew Johnson, UNK women’s basketball coach. “By getting players back, it gives us more lineups to go to. We can play big, we can play small, and that adaptability has been important for us when one mode isn’t working.”
However, consistency has been tested. In a loss to Rogers State, the Lopers allowed the Hillcats to shoot 54 percent from the field while UNK struggled at the free-throw line in the second half. Despite creating second-chance opportunities, the Lopers were unable to overcome defensive lapses and missed chances.
This weekend, the women will have critical tests in matchups against Washburn and Central Missouri, where defensive urgency and improved efficiency will be key as UNK looks to climb the conference standings.
On the men’s side, the season has been marked by momentum swings. The Lopers earned a notable 81–72 home win over Central Oklahoma this past weekend, snapping a six-year losing streak against the Bronchos.
“Anytime you can beat a program with a really good coach, it is a really good program win,” said Marty Levinson, UNK men’s basketball coach. “They (Central Oklahoma) have been where we want to go, so we’ll take it.”
UNK shot 55 percent from the field in that game and controlled the paint, with junior forward Anthony Swift recording a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for his fourth one this season.
Senior guard Ja’Bryant Hill has provided scoring and leadership in the backcourt, averaging 17 points and 5 assists. Kendrick Gilbert, who averages 13 points, has also contributed offensively, helping the Lopers remain competitive in conference play.
Closing games, however, has been a recurring issue. In a home loss to Rogers State, the Hillcats attempted 47 free throws and used a second-half surge to pull away. Turnovers and defensive fouls allowed Rogers State to control the tempo and score consistently at the line.
Both teams return to action this week, hosting Central Missouri on Thursday. The women tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men at 7:30 p.m. Washburn visits on Saturday, with the women’s matchup selected as the MIAA Game of the Week at 2 p.m., with the men’s game at 4 p.m.
