A three-pointer at the buzzer for a Nebraska opponent didn’t go in.
It may feel like those type of shots tickle the twine more often than not, but on a Wednesday night in January, Nebraska men’s basketball saw that shot rim out as they held on to beat Ohio State 63-60. The Huskers 10-9 on the year and 3-5 in the Big Ten Conference.
Scoring was borderline impossible for both teams to start the game. Ohio State started out 1-for-11 while Nebraska managed to go just 2-of-11.
Despite the Huskers having made shots, more assists, and more rebounds, the Buckeyes held a one point lead at halftime.
The lid came off the baskets after the break with both teams doubling their point totals by the 10 minute mark of the second half with the score tied 45-45.
The back-and-forth affair featured 13 lead changes and eight ties, but a Jamarques Lawrence 3 with 7:55 to go ultimately gave Nebraska a lead that would never be relinquished. The Huskers, simply awful at the line most of the time, made 10-of-13 free throws in the second half.
Up by three points with 12.2 seconds to go, coach Fred Hoiberg was yelling for his team to foul. That foul never came and Ohio State got off a decent look that rimmed out.
Nebraska shot 41.1 percent from the floor, including 6-of-21 from 3. Ohio State managed to shoot 35.7 percent, making five of their 17 three-pointers.
Sam Griesel scored a team-high 15 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists. Keisei Tominaga was the only other Husker in double-figures, scoring 11 points.
Derrick Walker struggled to stay on the floor, playing just 23 minutes as he was plagued by fouls. Still, Walker finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
With Walker on the bench, Oleg Kojenets saw a few minutes. The Lithuanian was part of a young group that also featured Lawrence and Denim Dawson. All three of those guys are freshman by eligibility. They combined to add 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Those rotation players stepping up in moments were huge as Nebraska was again without Juwan Gary, who will have shoulder surgery next week and miss the rest of the season.
Nebraska is on the road Saturday at Penn State.