Huskers Run over Bulls

Lincoln ? Andrew Drevo and Nate Johnson each scored 11 points to pace the Huskers as Nebraska remained undefeated with an impressive 75-52 victory over South Florida Saturday afternoon at the Devaney Center.

Before a crowd of 6,439, NU improved to 4-0 for the second time in three years, and just the third time since 1997-98, the last time the Huskers’ reached the NCAA Tournament.

The Huskers led from the start and used dominant spurts early in each half to seize control over the visiting Bulls. Nebraska opened the game with an 11-2 run en route to building an 11-point halftime lead. The Huskers then came back with a 17-2 spurt to open the second half before opening a 24-point cushion.

While only two Huskers finished in double figures, Nebraska received a balanced offensive performance. Marcus Neal and Jake Muhleisen chipped in nine points apiece while 12 Huskers broke into the scoring column in the victory. Nebraska enjoyed a commanding 46-27 advantage on the glass and held USF to just 32 percent shooting, including 2-for-19 from long range.

The Huskers, who have won six straight home games dating back to last season, got out of the gate quickly, outscoring the Bulls, 11-2, in the first two minutes of the contest. Muhleisen, who finished with five assists, and Drevo combined for seven straight Husker points in the run. Nebraska, which shot 52 percent in the half, also received strong play from Neal and backup point guard Charles Richardson, who combined for 11 first-half points.

The duo, who had scored a 10 points in NU’s first three contests, combined for 17 points and six rebounds while committing only two turnovers in 37 minutes of action.

Leading 37-26 at the break, the Huskers wasted little time turning the contest into a rout. Drevo scored all eight of his second-half points in the 17-2 run, pushing the Huskers lead to 24 points with 14 minutes remaining. Nebraska led by as much as 27 points before clearing the bench in the final few minutes and settling for a 23-point win.

Terrence Leather and Brian Swift finished in double figures for South Florida, scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Bulls, who defeated NU 66-60 in Tampa last season, fell to 3-2 with the loss.

Nebraska Postgame Notes
* The Huskers are 4-0 for the second time in three seasons and just the third time since 1997-98, the last time NU reached the postseason.

* Nebraska has now won six straight home games dating back to last season, and is 321-100 all-time in the Devaney Center.

* Nebraska's two new point guards, junior transfer Marcus Neal Jr. and freshman Charles Richardson Jr., scored the first field goals of their Husker careers Saturday. Neal gave NU a 2-0 lead about 30 seconds into the contest after starting the season 0-of-8 from the field (5-of-6 from the foul line). Richardson scored on the first possession after entering the game. He had been 0-of-4 from the floor in the first three games (5-of-8 at foul line).

* Nebraska went into the intermission with a 37-26 lead, marking the fourth straight game NU has lead by double figures at the break. NU led 36-25 against Arizona State, 35-16 vs. Eastern Michigan and 43-32 against Fairleigh Dickinson.

* The Huskers finished the game hitting season highs for three-pointers (7), three-point field goal percentage (38.9), and free throw percentage (78.3). The Huskers have hit better than 75.0 percent from the free throw line twice in the first four games, after hitting better than 75 percent just four times all of last season.

* The 23-point victory was the most since NU defeated Centenary, 68-45, last year in the season-opener. The last time NU won by at least 23 at home was Feb. 28, 2001, when the Huskers defeated Texas A&M by 28, 97-69.

* Nebraska has outrebounded its opponents in all four games this season. The Huskers had their largest rebounding advantage today, earning a 46-27 lead on the glass over the Bulls. The 46 rebounds were an NU high this season, and the 26 rebounds for USF were an opponent low.

* Three players made their season debut, with senior Adam Bohac getting into the contest for the first time this year and the 29th time in his career. Freshmen Shuan Stegall and James Reynolds received their first career minutes, with Stegall picking up two rebounds and draining a three-pointer.

* Sophomore Bronsen Schliep set a career high in points for the second time in three games. Schliep scored six points against the Bulls in eight minutes, and set career highs for shot attempts and made field goals.

* Nebraska used its fourth different starting lineup in four games. Last season, NU used 10 lineups in 30 games.