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The Nebraska Cornhuskers welcomed the South Dakota Coyotes in game four of the 2020-’21 season tonight, and sent them packing with a 76-69 victory.
The game was off to a slow start, though. Nebraska took the lead early, but proceeded to lose it promptly and didn’t gain it back until the 9:37 mark on a Teddy Allen three. It was a back and forth affair until Lat Mayen hit a three with 6:07 to go and seized the lead back for good in the first half, 27-24. Trey McGowens hit a layup with 5:17 to go and then two free throws with 3:30 to go to extend the lead to 31-27, and at the buzzer it ended up 36-29.
The Huskers shot just 9-26 from field goal range, but went 40-percent from three. They also out-rebounded the Coyotes 21-16. Turnovers and fouls were the biggest issue as the Huskers committed 10 turnovers and committed 11 fouls.
The second half had a slow start, and South Dakota brought it within five at one point not quite half-way through the second half. However, the Huskers stood firm and mounted a rally to put it out of reach the rest of the way, even as South Dakota mounted a furious surge late with an aggressive full-court press late in the game to bring it within seven with :4 seconds left in play.
The Huskers were led by Teddy Allen’s 23 points, while Trey McGowens added 13, Shamiel Stevenenson and Kobe Webster added 11 apiece, and Dalano Banton scored 10. Lat Mayen and Banton both led with four assists each, and Mayen led the Huskers with eight boards.
The Cornhuskers move to 3-1 on the season now, and next face Florida A&M on Sunday at 2 PM EST, 1 Central.