Poor shooting and bad flow hurt Nebraska early, but a highly touted transfer took over in the second half to lead the Huskers to their third win of the season.
This was the first game that Nebraska (3-1) played at night after all three games starting at 1 p.m. or earlier last week, something that coach Fred Hoiberg says contributed to the sluggish evening.
“Not only (the late start), but we practice in the morning,” Hoiberg said. “I’m usually in bed by this time.”
South Dakota (0-3) was the more physical team early, taking advantage of a whistle happy officiating crew that put Teddy Allen on the bench with two fouls, including a technical, in the first couple minutes of the game. The issues for Nebraska were compounded with a 3-for-12 shooting stretch over the first 10 minutes as the game was tied at 16.
The Huskers put together a 17-7 run to close out the half and lead 36-29 at the break. Then Boys Town (Omaha) grad and collegiate journeyman Allen took over.
The 6-foot-6 guard scored the first seven points of the second half for Nebraska, and 16 points after halftime to stretch the lead out to 18. That cushion was enough to hold off a late flurry by the Coyotes and win 76-69.
“He’s one of those very unique players,” Hoiberg said of Allen. “He can score it inside, he can drive it. He’s a very crafty finisher in the paint. When he gets it going, that opens up the 3-point shot where he knocked down a couple of those.
“We just rode him and put the ball in his hands.”
Allen finished with 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting and five rebounds.
Four other Huskers finished in double-figures: Trey McGowens 13, Shamiel Stevenson 11, Kobe Webster 11, and Dalano Banton 10. Banton put together another complete box score with his points, adding five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Lat Mayen hit a pair of threes to finish with six points while leading the team with 12 rebounds and pitching in four assists.
Nebraska shot just 40-percent from the field, including 7-of-24 from 3. A bright spot continues to be the free throw shooting, especially when compared to a season ago, as the team made 21-of-30.
A not so bright spot: team assists. Nebraska averaged more than 15 assists a game through the first three games.
“We only had 10 assists tonight. That’s not us,” Hoiberg said. “We’re a better team when we move the ball. We just didn’t get enough of that tonight.”
Nebraska is next in Sunday, December 6 at 1 p.m. hosting Florida A&M (0-2).
Game Nnotes
*-Lat Mayen finished with a career high 12 rebounds, doubling his previous career best of six on two occasions. It was his first career double-figure rebounding game. He also tied for team-high honors with four assists
*-Nebraska put five players in double figures, the third time in four games NU has posted at least four double-figure scorers
*-Teddy Allen posted his second straight 20-point game with a 23-point effort tonight.
*-Sophomore Yvan Ouedraogo tied a career high with two blocked shots. He had blocked two against George Mason and Michigan State during his freshman year.
*-Nebraska posted a 24-12 advantage in bench points, including 11 points apiece from Shamiel Stevenson and Kobe Webster
*-Nebraska has held three of its four opponents to under 40 percent as South Dakota shot 35.4 percent from the floor.
*-Nebraska committed a season-high 15 turnovers, including 10 in the first half. It marked the first time NU had committed more than 10 turnovers.
*-Nebraska went 21-of-30 from the line, the third time in four games where the Huskers had at least 20 points from the foul line.
Feature Image Courtesy Nebraska Athletics Communications Office