MBB Falls at Nebraska
Feb 06 | Men's Basketball
Box Score
LINCOLN, Neb. -- Despite 28 points from guard Corey Sanders, Rutgers (6-18, 0-11) fell at Nebraska (13-11, 5-6), 87-63, on Saturday afternoon. Following his freshman record 39-point performance on Wednesday, he shot 12-of-20, while adding five assists in a gritty performance before 15,695 fans at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Bishop Daniels supplemented the RU scoring, depositing six-of-11 from the field to register 13 points. Overall, Rutgers made 41.4 percent (24-of-58) of its field goal attempts, while the Huskers shot 50.7 percent (34-of-67) and made eight three-pointers.
Andrew White led Nebraska with 21 points, while Shavon Shields added 17 points before exiting due to injury. The home squad was an efficient 11-of-12 at the charity stripe.
Sanders picked up where he left off three days prior, scoring on the game's first two possessions. He also dished-out two early assists, helping RU to an early 9-4 advantage.
The Huskers clawed back to even the game at 9-9, and pushed ahead at 23-18. That's when Sanders took over. The Florida native scored 16 points in the first 11 minutes of action, sparking a 15-4 run for the Scarlet Knights. After two quick baskets from Daniels tied the game at 25, Sanders and Omari Grier knocked down threes in an 8-0 Scarlet Knights' run to take a 33-27 lead.
The home squad responded with a big run, however, as the Rutgers offense went cold. After starting the half shooting 60 percent, the visitors were unable to make a field goal in the final 7:35 of the frame. The Huskers capitalized with an 18-3 run to end the stanza, taking a 45-36 lead into intermission.
The Huskers started the second half by making five of their initial eight shots, extending their lead to 57-42. Rutgers fought back, using a Sanders steal-and-slam and a corner three-pointer from Jonathan Laurent to cut into the deficit.
Daniels scored six consecutive points for the Scarlet Knights, and Sanders continued his scoring output as RU tried to chip into the Nebraska lead. Despite its effort, Rutgers was unable to pull within single digits and the Huskers pulled away down the stretch.
The Scarlet Knights return to the hardwood to home host Ohio State next Saturday, Feb. 13 in a 4 p.m. tip-off on BTN.
Postgame Notes
In his last two games, Sanders has scored 67 points and recorded 17 assists.
Sanders has scored 20-plus points seven times this season.
Sanders has scored in double digits in seven straight games and 18 contests overall.
Over the past seven games, Sanders is averaging 22.0 points per game and 5.8 assists per game.
It was Sanders' 10th game with at least five helpers.
Sanders' 28 points was the second most points ever scored by a Nebraska opponent at Pinnacle Bank Arena (Malik Smith of Minnesota had 29 points -- 1/26/2014).
Bishop Daniels scored in double figures for the ninth time this season, finishing with 13 points.
Rutgers Head Coach Eddie Jordan
Opening Statement
"First of all, our hearts and our concerns go out to Shavon Shields and his family and his health. I spoke to Tim (Miles) as they carted him off, and Shavon had feeling, his eyes were alert so that's a good sign, and we hope he recovers very soon.
As far as we're concerned, I like the way we started the game. We did a lot of good things early. Tim threw a zone at us, and we got stagnant and didn't make fundamental plays that were there in front of us. They got on a big run and that was pretty much the game."
On Nebraska's coverage
"I really thought they were coming out with zone in the second half and they did not. The cushion was there. Corey (Sanders) has been having a breakout the past four games. Our emphasis is for our young guys to get experience, understanding how to play in a great arena like this in the Big Ten. We get everyone back and hopefully healthy next year. We have pretty good prospects coming in and hopefully this time next year we're singing a different tune."
On if he prepared for more zone in the second half
"I did. We talked about we have many different zone offenses and our man offense actually leads into the zone. It's just making one read. They came out with the man. Again, Corey was scoring well for us but no one else could really find a type of rhythm."
