The Lopers (26-6) are the fifth-seed in the North Central Regional and will play fourth seed Fort Lewis (26-3) Friday night at a time TBA, in Vermillion, S.D.

The Skyhawks beat UNK 77-68 Dec. 15 in Durango, Colo.

This year, the North Central regional is being played Friday, Saturday and Monday.

If UNK can string together three wins, the Lopers would play the Elite Eight (March 26-27 and 29) on their home court.

UNK made nine consecutive NCAA trips from 1996-04. Including a play-in game during the 1993-94 season, the Lopers are 5-11 in 11 previous NCAA appearances.

Last year, Kearney beat Augustana and Concordia-St. Paul to advance to the North Central finals where it lost to North Dakota.

The winner of the UNK-FLC game will face either No. 1 seed and regional host South Dakota or eighth-seed Colorado State-Pueblo.

On Dec. 1 in Vermillion, UNK lost to the Coyotes 84-51.

At Vermillion, S.D.

Friday's Games

(All times TBA)

No. 2 North Dakota (27-3) vs. No. 7 Wayne State (21-9)

No. 3 Concordia St.-Paul (28-2) vs. No. 6 Minnesota State (21-8)

No. 4 Fort Lewis (26-3) vs. No. 5 UNK (26-6)

No. 1 South Dakota (28-1) vs. No. 8 Colorado State-Pueblo (21-9)

Saturday's Games

2/7 Winner Vs. 3/6 Winner

1/8 Winner Vs. 4/5 Winner

Monday's Game

Championship Game