After an 88-73 loss at Fort Hays State in the regular-season finale, UNK’s hopes of making the MIAA Tournament slipped away. Still, the Lopers showed clear progress throughout the year.
From an opening road trip to Montana to late-season conference battles, UNK steadily built confidence and chemistry. The Lopers finished 13-17 overall and 6-13 in conference play, a step back from last season’s 10-9 conference mark. While there may have been regression from last season, UNK knew from the start this season was going to be full of challenges.
“Overall, it was a pretty cool way to start the season,” said Marty Levinson, UNK men’s basketball coach. “Going up to Montana and throwing ourselves into the fire against some really good teams gave us some early memories and set the tone for the season.”
That early challenge helped shape the group. As nonconference play continued, UNK earned meaningful wins over Wayne State, Chadron State and Hastings College, finishing games that had slipped away in similar spots last season. Execution improved late, and the offense showed better rhythm as players grew more comfortable in their roles.
Senior guard Ja’Bryant Hill led the way, averaging 17 points per game while adding nearly five assists. His ability to score at all three levels and create for teammates anchored the offense and gave the Lopers a steady presence in tight contests.
“When we won those games at home, the ball movement was really good,” Levinson said. “We were reading the defense better and attacking the right matchups.”
Senior Kendrick Gilbert provided another consistent piece, averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds per game. He regularly drew tough defensive assignments while expanding his offensive role as the season progressed, helping UNK remain competitive in several close conference matchups.
Conference play tested that growth. The weekly grind of the MIAA, combined with injuries and stretches of inconsistency, made it difficult to sustain momentum.
“Conference didn’t go quite how we hoped,” Levinson said. “Whether it was injuries or not playing our best basketball at the right time, we just couldn’t quite put it all together.”
Still, late in the season, the Lopers showed signs of putting the pieces together during a strong home stretch where the Lopers were able to go on a three-game run before their final stretch of games on the road.
Senior night against Emporia State became one of the year’s defining moments when senior Tom Connelly, a steady contributor off the bench, knocked down a key shot in front of the home crowd. The reaction underscored the leadership of the senior class and the culture they helped build, highlighting how impactful players can be regardless of their role on the depth chart.
“The biggest bright spot was the seniors,” Levinson said. “They were awesome to be around every day, and senior night seeing Tom hit that big shot in front of his parents is what it’s all about.”
