USF Takes Victory From Huskers

Lincoln - Ali Thomas' game-high 17 points paced four Dons in double figures as San Francisco capitalized on Nebraska's poor shooting early in the second half, defeating the Huskers 64-60 Monday evening at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Trailing 31-30 at the break, USF used a 10-0 run to start the second half and built a 40-31 lead. Kimani Ffriend's basket with 12:57 remaining ended NU's scoreless string, as the Huskers missed their first 10 shots from the floor and committed six turnovers in the spurt.

USF, which improves to 8-1 on the season, led 58-48 with 2:52 remaining, before the Huskers used a 10-2 run, including 3-pointers by Cart Cochran and Larry Florence, to cut the Dons' lead to 60-58 after Florence's 3-pointer with 1:18 remaining. The Huskers would get no closer, as USF, which has won eight straight for the first time since 1982, converted all four free throws to hold on.

Danny Walker led Nebraska (4-6) with 15 points, including three 3-pointers, to pace three Huskers in double figures. Steffon Bradford added 12 points and 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Kimani Ffriend also finished in double figures with 10 points and five blocks.

Russell Hinder finished with 14 points, while Darrell Tucker and Shamell Stallworth each added 10 points off the bench in the winning effort.

The Huskers return to action this Wednesday evening as Nebraska plays host to Oral Roberts at 7:05 p.m.

Nebraska Postgame Notes
*Junior Steffon Bradford picked up his third double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. His 10 rebounds were the ninth time in 10 games that Bradford recorded six or more rebounds this season.

*Nebraska's 17 turnovers tied its season low (also Rutgers and Monmouth) and was the first time in four games that the Huskers committed less than 20 turnovers.

*San Francisco's 37.9 percent shooting was the sixth time this season a Husker opponent shot 40 percent or less from the floor. Only one opponent has shot better than 50 percent Nebraska's first 10 games.

*Kimani Ffriend's five blocked shots tonight was the third time this season he has recorded five or more blocks in a game. He leads the Big 12 with 33 blocks, an average of 3.3 blocks per game.

*Danny Walker led Nebraska with 15 points, his fourth straight game in double figures.

*Kenny Booker tied his career high with 23 minutes, set earlier this season against Monmouth.

*Nebraska connented on seven 3-pointers tonight, tying its season high. The Huskers have hit 21-of-45 3-pointers over the last three games.

* Nebraska's 4-6 record is the first time since the 1989-90 season that the Huskers were two games under .500.

* Nebraska held USF center Kenyon Jones to 3-of-10 shooting from the floor, the first time this year he has been held under 60 percent. Jones entered the game ranked third nationally in field goal percentage at 73.8 percent.