Nebraska men’s basketball is dangerous when shots are falling, turnovers aren’t rampant, and the defense makes it difficult on opposing offenses. Most of all, this team does each of those things when playing together.
That was the case in spurts Wednesday, but when the game got tight in the second half, the shot making and defensive energy disappeared, as did the togetherness that defines good teams.
“When (Georgia Tech) got the momentum, I just saw us splinter a little bit,” Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg said. “For the first time, I didn’t see that same togetherness. Tonight, I just saw us separate a little bit.”
Nebraska (3-2) turned the ball over 12 times in the first half, but held Georgia Tech (2-2) scoreless over the final 2:57 while making a pair of 3s to trail just 32-30 at the break.
Then the energy came out for Nebraska, going on a 10-2 run before exchanging baskets to lead 43-37 at the 14:34 mark. The Huskers had no turnovers to that moment as well, but the Yellow Jackets started to make shots right as Nebraska started missing.
Over the next 13 and a half minutes, Georgia Tech doubled up Nebraska 38-19 while shooting 11-of-19 from the floor. The Huskers over that stretch made just six baskets, and missing 12, committing four turnovers. Time and again, Nebraska tried to shoot its way out of the Georgia Tech zone while giving up easy looks on the other end.
“My main thing was just staying together,” Nebraska senior guard Kobe Webster said. “There was a stretch, they went on a run, we gave up some easy baskets and we kinda split apart a little bit.”
The Yellow Jackets cruised down the stretch for the 75-64 win.
Webster dominated offensively, scoring 20 points and making 6-of-7 3s. Dalano Banton once again filled up the stat sheet, scoring 17 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and handing out six assists.
Unusually quiet on the night were Trey McGowens and Teddy Allen. McGowens scored just six points on 2-of-9 shooting, while Allen scored 10 on 4-of-16 shooting. Both were back on the court five minutes after the game getting shots up, with McGowens spending more than 30 minutes in a post-game workout.
Nebraska finished 23-of-62 from the field, including 8-of-23 on 3s. The 16 turnovers is the most so far this season.
The Huskers face their first road test Friday at rival No. 8 Creighton (3-1).
Feature Image Courtesy Nebraska Athletics Communications Office