The University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks 2008-09 season came to an end with a 66-56 loss to Fort Hays State in the firs round of the MIAA tournament in Kansas City, MO. The Mavericks finished the season with a record of 17-11.
Senior Michael Jenkinsled the Mavericks with 15 points. Dion Curry had 14 points and Mitch Albers added 11. The Mavericks had the most success when penetrating against the MIAA’s second-best defensive unit. Jenkins and Curry each had nine points in the half, nearly all of them from within five feet of the basket.
For the second time this season Ft. Hays State held UNO to a season low in points. The 5th seed Mavs shot 35% and were just 5 of 26 from three point range. The Mavs were ranked second in the MIAA in both of those categories this season.
Fort Hays State came out strong in the second half, starting with a three-pointer from Tim Peintner. He led all scorers with 20, helping the Tigers to a 16 point lead.
The Mavericks whittled the lead down to 50-43 after two free throws by Jenkins with 11:28 to go. But they came up empty on two straight possessions, and Fort Hays stretched the lead back out to 15 thanks to sharp shooting from Terry Jeffries. He had 17 in the game.
The first round for the women begins Friday. The UNO women are the 6th seed. They take on #3 Pitt State tonight at 8:15.