Jan. 8, 2015
LINCOLN, Neb. - In its first Big Ten Conference road game, Rutgers (9-7, 1-2 Big Ten) fell to Nebraska (9-6, 1-2) 65-49 at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Thursday evening. RU got 12 points from Bishop Daniels and 11 from Kadeem Jack. The Scarlet Knights held a 39-31 edge in rebounding, while shooting 34.7 percent from the field (17-of-49).
Rutgers came out hot from the opening tip, starting the scoring with a three-pointer from the wing and opening on a 9-4 run over the home squad. The Scarlet Knights pushed the lead to 16-10 with a spinning move and score from Daniels, then to 19-12 with a three-point play from Nkereuwem Okoro.
The Huskers responded, striking back with a 10-2 run to take the lead for the first time in the game at 22-21. Nebraska closed the first half strong, finishing on a 14-4 run as the Scarlet Knights made just one of their final ten shots from the field, and the Huskers took a 26-23 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Huskers extended their lead coming out of the break, knocking down two three-pointers to extend the advantage to 36-27. Rutgers cut that lead to 36-31 with two quick baskets, but Nebraska responded with another run to go ahead 50-35. The Huskers defense held the Scarlet Knights from there, finishing off the victory.
The Scarlet Knights return home to the RAC on Sunday when they host No. 4/4 Wisconsin. Tip is at 6 p.m. for the game, which will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network.
POST-GAME NOTES
· · Bishop Daniels scored 12 points, reaching double figures for the fourth time in his career. It was the second time this season he led the Scarlet Knights in scoring.
· Kadeem Jack reached double figures for the eighth time this season on the 40th time of his career. Jack finished with 11 points.
· Jack moved past Rashod Kent for sole possession of 14th place on Rutgers' all-time blocks list.
· Jack and Junior Etou shared the team-high with six rebounds.
· Rutgers held a 39-31 edge in rebounding.
· Nkereuwem Okoro scored three points, scoring for the first time since Nov. 23 versus St. Francis (Brooklyn).
· Jalen Hyde made his first career field goal, finishing with a career-high two points.
· Khalil Batie had a career-best two rebounds.
· The crowd of 14,857 fans was the largest that the Scarlet Knights played in front of this season.
· Rutgers used the starting lineup of Myles Mack, Mike Williams, Junior Etou, Kadeem Jack, and Greg Lewis for the tenth time this season.
