FIRST HALF ANALYSIS:
This one got off to a start equivalent to sitting on a cactus. Each team had 3 turnovers just 3 minutes into this, while the Huskers had a 4 point lead early doors. The Huskers still only lead by 4 at
the under 12 timeout. Sam Hoiberg was rebounding everything, as he had 6 boards by this point. UMES only had 2 points in the open 7:30 of this contest but used a 5-0 Trey Hall run to keep them in this.
Nebraska hit every part of the rim from distance, going 2-10 in the opening 10 minutes. The Huskers threatened to open this game up as they took an 18-8 lead at the under 8 timeout, but porous shooting kept them from really opening a big lead. UMES had as many turnovers as they did points 12 minutes into the half. UMES closed the gap to 3 when they went on a 7-0 run, but Nebraska opened the lead back to double digits. After more paint drying the Huskers took a 32-19 lead into the half.
FIRST HALF STATS:
Maryland Eastern Shore shot 6-28 for 21% from the floor. They were 2-9 for 22% from deep and 5-7 for 71% from the free-throw line. The Hawks collected 20 rebounds, 7 of which were offensive. UMES had 10 turnovers to just 3 assists and had 9 bench points.
The Hawks were led by Levi Beckwith, who had 7 points. Zion Obanla and Trey Brown had 3 rebounds each. Christopher Flippin had 2 blocks.
Nebraska shot 10-28 for 36% from the floor. They were 4-17 for 26% from deep and 8-9 for 89% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 21 rebounds, 5 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 7 assists to just 6 turnovers. Nebraska only had 2 bench points.
The Huskers were led by Sam Hoiberg, who had a pretty stellar half by his standards. He led the way with 9 points and 7 rebounds. Pryce Sandfort had 8 points and 4 rebounds, good for second in both categories.
SECOND HALF ANALYSIS:
The Huskers once again came out in the second half with a strong start. Nebraska started with an 8-2 run, which eventually led to the Huskers opening a 19 point lead. The Huskers extended their lead to 28, as Sam Hoiberg notched a career high 18 points by the under 12 timeout. UMES was just a dismal 8-40 from the floor by then. Nebraska started to rest the starters, as this was under control, but credit to UMES for not rolling over.
At one point, the Huskers led by 31, but UMES slowly chipped away, reducing the lead to 16. That didn’t hold up for long, as UMES wouldn’t get any closer. Leo Curtis got some valuable minutes for Nebraska, which will only help down the road. UMES finally had more made field goals than turnovers at the under 4 timeout, with 16 field goals to 15 turnovers. Otherwise, this game is nothing to write home about. The dismal shooting night for both teams mercifully ended at the final buzzer.
FINAL STATS AND THOUGHTS:
Maryland Eastern Shore shot 18-58 for 31% from the floor. They went 7-22 for 32% from deep and 7-9 for 78% from the free-throw line. The Hawks collected 37 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive. UMES had 16 turnovers to just 9 assists. The bench had 38 of the Hawks’ 50 points.
The Hawks were led by Trey Hall, who had 11 points. Joseph Locandro had 10. Trey Brown had 5 rebounds to pace the Hawks. 3 others had 4 each. Michael Teal had 4 assists. Teal and Levi Beckwith combined for all 12 points scored by Hawks starters.
Nebraska shot 24-61 for 39% from the floor. They went 6-32 for 19% from deep and 15-18 for 83% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 40 rebounds, 11 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 14 assists to just 7 turnovers. The Huskers had only 16 bench points.
The Huskers were led by Pryce Sandfort, who had 19 points. Sam Hoiberg contributed a career-high 18. Hoiberg also led the way with 7 rebounds, all of which came in the first half. Berke Buyuktuncel had 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.
This one was not pretty by any means. The 3-point shooting could not really have been much worse, but not because they weren’t getting good looks. Tonight, the shots simply weren’t falling. The lone real bright spot was Sam Hoiberg, who carried the load for most of the contest tonight for Nebraska. Another game, another set of leading scorers. The other good news is this was the type of game that can happen now, but not later. Good to get rid of a stinker early.
The Huskers will take on much tougher competition, starting with Oklahoma on Saturday. The Huskers will head up to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to take on the Sooners in a neutral site game. Nebraska will have to refocus after a performance like this, but they are now into the swing of the season. 3-0 is always a good start. Go Big Red!
