November 4, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg talks to players during the first half against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory credits: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
The Nebraska Korenhuskers faced the first big test of the season, traveling to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to take on West Coast Conference foe Saint Mary’s. Despite a fierce performance by the Huskers, the Gaels finished on top 77-74.
Saint Mary’s has had big performances from the field and beyond the arc compared to Nebraska. The Huskers finished 22 of 49 from the field and 5 of 17 from three-point range. The Gaels, meanwhile, shot 26 of 61 overall and 11 of 23 from beyond the arc.
Nebraska outscored Saint Mary’s at the free throw line 25-14 and outscored it 34-31. However, the Gaels started the match excellently and led 23-9 after just under eight minutes. Although the Huskers climbed out of this hole and even took the lead in the second half, it proved to be just enough for Saint Mary’s to take the lead.
Brice Williams produced a career-high 28 points that afternoon, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. This is the second time this season that Williams set a career-high, scoring 27 points in the season opener against Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Berke Büyüktuncel scored 15 points from five baskets and five free throws, while co-leading Nebraska in rebounds with five. Andrew Morgan joined Büyüktuncel in rebounds, pulling in five and scoring 10 points on the day. Rollie Worster rounded out the Huskers’ top scorers for 10 points.
Nebraska faces another big test on Friday evening. They will travel to Omaha to take on rival No. 14 Creighton. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM CT on FS1.
Huskers fight back
Connor Essegian for three
Morgan drives it in
Morgan for three
Close the gap before half time
Williams puts Nebraska ahead
Nebraska denies the three
Büyüktuncel becomes faded
Three-point game in Sioux Falls
This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Men’s basketball falls short to Saint Mary’s 77-74