If it could go wrong for Nebraska men’s basketball Saturday, it did.
“The overall urgency early in that game was so disappointing to me in our building in an afternoon game on a reunion weekend,” Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg said. “You want to give your alumni something to cheer for and be proud about. We were awful in that area.”
As a number of former players were in attendance and recognized at halftime, the Huskers (6-17, 0-12 Big Ten) put out a clunker. After a 14-13 start, Nebraska barely looked like a team capable of being on the court with another high major program.
Northwestern (11-10, 4-8 Big Ten) used 10 first half 3s to pull away for a 49-27 lead at halftime. The second half risked becoming much worse, with the Wildcats leading by as much as 35 before settling on the 87-63 victory.
A lack of urgency on defense led to open shots while that same effort led to a hurried offense.
“I think today we just did not come to play and that is sad to say,” Nebraska guard CJ Wilcher said. “That is an issue with the players and we did not come ready to play, and Northwestern took advantage of it.”
Wilcher led Nebraska with 15 points on the day. The only other Husker in double figures was Bryce McGowens with 10 points.
Nebraska shot 45.1 percent for the game, including 7-of-18 from 3.
The Huskers, still looking for their first league win of the season, host Minnesota Wednesday.