Huskers Open Season with 63-46 Win

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Lincoln ? Behind a strong defensive effort and key contributions from the bench, the Nebraska men’s basketball team defeated San JoseState 63-46 in Sunday’s season opener at the BobDevaneySportsCenter.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

The win was Nebraska’s 26th consecutive home non-conference victory, as Head Coach Doc Sadler improved to 21-0 in home non-conference games in his NU career. The effort of the Husker defense, which recorded 16 steals and forced 25 turnovers, was enough to withstand a hot-and-cold day from the NU offense.

The Huskers hit just 35.9 percent from the field, but some streaky shooting and strong defense allowed Nebraska to string together three critical runs. In the first half, NU put together runs of 12-2 and 12-0 to build an 18-point halftime advantage. After San JoseState had pulled within five late in the second half, NU responded with a key 17-0 run to put the game away.

While Nebraska shot poorly, San JoseState didn’t fare much better. The Huskers’ harassing efforts limited the Spartans to 36.0 percent shooting from the field. Nebraska’s defense was also key during NU’s 10:27 scoreless drought over the end of the first half and the first 8:08 of the second half. The Huskers were able to maintain a double-digit lead despite the drought, as San JoseState was only able to score 10 points during the stretch.

In addition to the strong defense, the Huskers were bolstered by an outstanding effort from the bench, led by freshman Toney McCray. McCray scored a game-high 17 points in his debut, while also grabbing a team-high nine rebounds. Senior Paul Velander added nine points off the bench, while freshman Brandon Richardson added six.

The defense and bench scoring was the difference in the game, as Nebraska enjoyed a 31-11 advantage in points off turnovers, while the Husker bench outscored the San Jose State reserves, 41-16.

San Jose State (1-1) was led by Chris Oakes, who finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Pierce also added a double-double for the Spartans, finishing with 11 points and 10 boards.

Nebraska was hit and miss for much of the first half. After making just two of its first seven shots to open the game, the Husker offense found its shooting touch by hitting 7-of-10 from 3-point range to start the game. The hot shooting combined with the tough defense allowed Nebraska to outscore San JoseState 30-9 over the final 15 minutes of the first half. Nine of the 10 Huskers who saw action in the half hit at least one field goal, but Nebraska still shot just 44.1 percent from the field.

The second half wasn’t any kinder to Nebraska, as the Huskers hit just 2-of-18 from the field over the first 13 minutes of the period to allow San JoseState back in the game. The Spartans got as close as 43-38 with six minutes remaining before the Huskers hit three of their next four shots en route to the 17-0 run.

Velander started the run by drilling a 3-pointer and Richardson converted a traditional three-point following a Husker steal. The 6-0 spurt covered only 10 seconds and was part of the larger 17-0 run that put Nebraska in front 60-38 with 4:48 left to play. San JoseState got no closer than 17 the rest of the way.

Nebraska returns to action on Wednesday, when the Huskers travel to Fort Worth, Texas, for a matchup against TCU. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game can be seen nationally on CBS College Sports (formerly CSTV).