Huskers Down Golden Lions for Third Straight Win

Andrew White III had 16 points and five rebounds. (Photo Courtesy Nate Olsen/Nebraska Communications) — Andrew White III had 16 points and five rebounds. *(Photo Courtesy Nate Olsen/Nebraska Communications)*

Andrew White III and Shavon Shields combined for 31 points and 10 rebounds, as Nebraska improved to 4-1 on the season with a 67-44 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff Tuesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena

On a night where all 14 Huskers who dressed played, NU held UAPB to just 30.6 percent shooting and out-rebounded the Golden Lions, 50-33. NU was opportunistic, converting 16 offensive rebounds into 20 points and enjoying a 15-4 cushion in points off turnovers.

Nebraska struggled offensive at times in the first half, but got into a rhythm in the final minutes of the half to take a 34-16 halftime lead. White had 12 first-half points while Shields added 11 markers for the Huskers, who closed the half on a 19-3 run and held UAPB without a field goal for the final eight minutes.

Nebraska got off to a quick start, jumping to a 9-2 lead in the first three minutes behind five points from White, but the Huskers went cold as the visitors whittled away the early lead. Arkansas Pine Bluff got to within 15-13 after a basket by Thaddeus Handley, before the Huskers used an 8-0 run to build a 22-13 lead after a 3-pointer from White with 4:28 left in the half.

Nebraska got quality efforts from some of its unsung players in the opening half, as Jake Hammond had seven rebounds and four points before halftime, while freshman Glynn Watson Jr. keyed the 12-1 run to end the half with a pair of assists and a 3-pointer.

Watson finished with six points, three assists and two steals, while Hammond tied or set personal bests in points (six) and rebounds (seven).

In all, the 23-3 run continued into the second half as the Huskers pushed the lead to 38-16 after a pair of Tai Webster free throws with 17:19 left.

UAPB got to within 40-23 on a Chauncy Parker jumper with 15:43 left, but a jumper by Shields and a steal and 3-point play from Watson quickly extended the lead to 22. From there, NU led by at least 20 for the final 14 minutes.

Ghiavonni Robinson led UAPB (1-4) with 13 points.

The Huskers travel to New York for the Barclays Center Classic beginning Friday evening against No. 24 Cincinnati. The game will be televised on the American Sports Network and also available on ESPN3, and carried by select Husker Sports Network stations.