Huskers Fall in Closed Scrimmage

Wichita, Kan. -- Cam Mack had 17 points to lead three Huskers in double figures, but the Huskers fell to Wichita State, 89-75, in a closed scrimmage Saturday afternoon. 

"It was a great opportunity for us to play a big, strong, physical team like Wichita State," Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. "I thought we had some good moments, and also had some things we that we can certainly learn from today."

Mack topped led the Huskers in rebounds (six) and assists (six), while Matej Kavas and Jervay Green added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Kavas went 5-of-8 from 3-point range and Green chipped in a pair of 3-pointers in the loss. 

Trey Wade led four WSU players in double figures with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Erik Stevenson added 17 points, including four 3-pointers for the winners. 

WSU also hit nine 3-pointers and went 12-of-14 from the line, while Nebraska went 12-of-20 from the line, including several front ends from the charity stripe in the first half.

Nebraska held Wichita State, which won 22 games and reached the semifinals of the NIT last season, to 45 percent shooting on the day, but were outrebounded 51-36, including 17 offensive caroms. 

"We have to be able to find a way to battle on the glass," Hoiberg said. "That was the one thing we talked about going into the season was for us to have a chance to win was to compete on the glass. We gave up 17 offensive rebounds and that is too many."

The Huskers also overcame a slow start, as WSU built a double-figure lead in the first seven minutes, only to see the Huskers climb back into the contest with seven straight points capped by a Kavas 3-pointer. 

"I thought we battled back after we got down double-digits early and cut into the lead," Hoiberg said. "When we got out and played with pace, we had really good things happen."

NU trailed 45-35 at half, but were unable to draw closer in the final 20 minutes, as the Shockers size stook over. WSU had 12 of its 17 offensive boards in the final 20 minutes.

"There are a lot of things we will look at and get back to work on Monday to get better in those areas," Hoiberg said.

The Huskers return to action Wednesday night, as they take on Doane in an exhibition game. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena.