Huskers Fall To No. 3 Arizona

Las Vegas (Ticker) -- Loren Woods and Michael Wright combined for 13 points during a 15-2 run that opened the second half and propelled third-ranked Arizona to an 80-59 victory over Nebraska in the first game of the Las Vegas Showdown.

Wright led the way with 22 points. His follow shot with 13:19 remaining capped the key spurt and gave Arizona a 57-35 lead. Nebraska (4-5) got no closer than 14 points thereafter as the Wildcats (9-1) won their third straight.

It was the first meeting between the schools since the 1969-70 season. The all-time series is tied at two wins apiece.

Larry Florence scored 16 points for the Cornhuskers, who lost for the fourth time in six games.

Woods, who had 19 points and seven rebounds, opened the scoring after the break with a follow shot and freshman Gilbert Arenas had a driving layup. Woods' three-point play gave Arizona a 49-33 lead and forced Nebraska coach Danny Nee to call timeout.

The stoppage did not stop Arizona, however. Wright's jumper pushed the lead to 18 points before Steffon Bradford's jumper gave Nebraska its first points of the half after a 4:47 drought.

But Arizona scored the next six points as Wright scored twice around Woods' dunk and it was a 22-point contest.

Arenas collected 15 points and seven rebounds and Richard Jefferson added 12 points for the Wildcats, who connected on 51 percent (31-of-61) of their shots and were 6-of-17 from beyond the arc.

Arizona turned 21 Nebraska turnovers into 26 points and held a 41-32 advantage on the boards.

Florence began the game with a jumper. It was Nebraska's only lead of the game as Arenas tied it moments later with a jumper and Woods followed with a jump shot of his own with just over 18 minutes remaining in the first half.

The Cornhuskers hung around and were within 14-12 after a 3-pointer by Cary Cochran. But Woods scored four points during an 9-0 run as Arizona opened a 23-12 advantage with 12 1/2 minutes left. Arizona maintained at least a seven-point lead thereafter.

Danny Walker and Kimani Friend netted 11 points apiece for the Cornhuskers, who shot just 36 percent (21-of-59) despite connecting on half their 14 3-pointers.

The Huskers return home to face San Francisco this Monday evening at the Bob Devaney Sports Center