Nov. 28, 1998

Nebraska-Kearney avenged last season's North Central Regional semifinal loss to NSU by staving off numerous comeback attempts in the second half and escaping Wachs Arena with a 117-110 Saturday night. The loss snapped NSU's 20-game winning streak at home.

In the early game, Michigan Tech defeated Moorhead State 92-79.

The only time the scoring wasn't back-and-forth in the Classic's finale was when Kearney went on a 9-0 run in a minute-and-a-half span midway through the first half that gave the team a 10-point lead. Despite constant scoring by the Wolves, the Lopers held onto that cushion for most of the game.

NSU's best run came in the final minutes, as the Wolves cut a 106-96 deficit with just over a minute-and-a-half remaining to a 109-106 margin with 37 seconds remaining. But the Lopers iced the game by making their last eight free throw attempts, including six by All-American Eric Strand.

Both teams had six players score in double digits. UNK was led by point guard Anthony Harms' 23 points. Strand netted 22.

For NSU, sophomore guard Jared Miller (Mitchell, S.D.) scored 26 points, followed by senior forward Mark Rich (Aberdeen, S.D. )and junior guard Dan Fischer (Bagley, Minn.), who netted 18 apiece. Freshman post Andy Foster (Caledonia, Minn.) scored a career-high 17 points and pulled down six boards. Rich led NSU with team-highs in rebounds (seven) and assists (five).

Here is the all-tournament team:
Eric Strand, UNK
Anthony Harms, UNK
Jeff Boinski, MTU
Scott Hanson, NSU
Jared Miller, NSU