Lincoln, Neb. – Shavon Shields led the way for the Cornhuskers with 21 points, as the Huskers defeated the Rhode Island Rams, 70-67, in front of 15,500 fans. Glynn Watson Jr. and Michael Jacobson also scored in double-digit figures with 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Kuran Iverson and Jarvis Garrett led the way for the Rams with 15 points apiece.

The Huskers started strong, hitting their first three shots to take a 6-0 lead on the Rams. Rhode Island battled back to pull within one at 18-17 with 10:52 to go in the first half. The Rams then held the Huskers scoreless for the next 5:08 in which they went on a 12-0 run to take a 29-18 lead. The Huskers would battle back with a 10-2 run themselves, which was jump started by two Tai Webster free-throws, to pull the Huskers within two at 32-30. The Rams closed the first half on a 5-2 run, banking in a three-point shot at the buzzer, to take a 37-32 halftime lead.

Points were traded early to begin the second half. The Huskers were able to pull within four, 43-39, after two free-throws by Andrew White III, but the Rams pushed the lead to nine at 50-41. The Huskers were able to pull within two, 61-59, off a Shavon Shields dunk, with 6:11 remaining in the game. White III tied the game, 63-63, after a pair of free-throws with 3:52 left on the clock. The Rams would hit their next shot, while the Huskers hit one of two free-throws. Jarvis Garrett would miss the front end of a one-and-one for the Rams. Benny Parker would drain his first shot, a three-pointer, of the game to give the Huskers their first lead, 67-65, since the 10:52 mark in the first half. Nebraska would not look back and take defeat Rhode Island 70-67.

The Huskers will return to Pinnacle Bank Arena next Sunday to take on Samford. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. The game will be carred on Husker Sports Network and televised on BTN.