Due to illness within the North Platte Community College men’s basketball program, games scheduled for this week against Central Community College (Wednesday) and Hastings College JV (Friday) have been postponed.

The men’s basketball team will look to reschedule those games at a later date.

Due to illness within the North Platte Community College men’s basketball program, games scheduled for this week against Central Community College (Wednesday) and Hastings College JV (Friday) have been postponed.The men’s basketball team will look to reschedule those games at a later date.

Men's basketball postpones games against Raiders and Broncos

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska football star and 1972 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers was in an Omaha hospital intensive care unit with COVID-19 and other complications. 

Business partner Denny Drake told The Omaha World-Herald that Rodgers was hospitalized Thanksgiving morning. 

Drake says the 70-year-old Rodgers seemed to improve after a few days, but took a turn for the worse last week and was placed in the ICU. Drake says Rodgers has since improved and is feeling much better.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska football star and 1972 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers was in an Omaha hospital intensive care unit with COVID-19 and other complications. Business partner Denny Drake told The Omaha World-Herald that Rodgers was hospitalized Thanksgiving morning. Drake says the 70-year-old Rodgers seemed to improve after a few days, but took a turn for the worse last week and was placed in the ICU. Drake says Rodgers has since improved and is feeling much better.

Nebraska football legend Johnny Rodgers in ICU with COVID

Brady 50, Garden County 39 Cambridge 51, Wauneta-Palisade 35 Gothenburg 69, Hershey 34 McCook 58, Chase County 27 Medicine Valley 51, Paxton 31 Ogallala 79, Lexington 42 Perkins County 55, Bridgeport 45 Sandhills/Thedford 52, Maxwell 45 Wallace 65, Maywood-Hayes Center 53

Arthur County 42, Hay Springs 39 Garden County 65, Banner County 22 Lincoln Pius X 61, North Platte 41 Maxwell 56, Creek Valley 18 Maywood-Hayes Center 74, Southwest 28 North Platte St. Patrick's 48, Sutherland 18 Ogallala 60, Minden 41

Bridgeport 78, Perkins County 34 Cambridge 53, Wauneta-Palisade 43 Chase County 37, McCook 29 Garden County 541, Brady 31 Hershey 56, Gothenburg 45 Lexington 37, Ogallala 27 Maywood-Hayes Center 47, Wallace 36 Paxton 43, Medicine Valley 40 (OT) Sandhills/Thedford 62, Maxwell 25

Arthur County 49, Hay Springs 30 Garden County 66, Banner County 9 Goodland, KS 70, Dundy County Stratton 10 Maxwell 43, Creek Valley 20 Maywood-Hayes Center 52, Southwest 49 Minden 52, Ogallala 43 North Platte St. Patrick's 63, Sutherland 24

Friday (12/03/2021)BoysBrady 50, Garden County 39 Cambridge 51, Wauneta-Palisade 35 Gothenburg 69, Hershey 34 McCook 58, Chase County 27 Medicine Valley 51, Paxton 31 Ogallala 79, Lexington 42 Perkins County 55, Bridgeport 45 Sandhills/Thedford 52, Maxwell 45 Wallace 65, Maywood-Hayes Center 53Saturday (12/04/2021)BoysArthur County 42, Hay Springs 39 Garden County 65, Banner County 22 Lincoln Pius X 61, North Platte 41 Maxwell 56, Creek Valley 18 Maywood-Hayes Center 74, Southwest 28 North Platte St. Patrick's 48, Sutherland 18 Ogallala 60, Minden 41Friday (12/03/2021)GirlsBridgeport 78, Perkins County 34 Cambridge 53, Wauneta-Palisade 43 Chase County 37, McCook 29 Garden County 541, Brady 31 Hershey 56, Gothenburg 45 Lexington 37, Ogallala 27 Maywood-Hayes Center 47, Wallace 36 Paxton 43, Medicine Valley 40 (OT) Sandhills/Thedford 62, Maxwell 25Saturday (12/04/2021)GirlsArthur County 49, Hay Springs 30 Garden County 66, Banner County 9 Goodland, KS 70, Dundy County Stratton 10 Maxwell 43, Creek Valley 20 Maywood-Hayes Center 52, Southwest 49 Minden 52, Ogallala 43 North Platte St. Patrick's 63, Sutherland 24

Area Sports: Basketball results from 12/4-5

The Nebraska men's basketball team held Indiana to a season-low in points Saturday, but the Hoosiers overcame an early 10-point deficit and rallied for a 68-55 win at Assembly Hall.

The strong defensive effort was not enough to overcome a cold shooting performance for a Husker team playing its second road game in four days following a four-overtime loss at NC State on Wednesday. Nebraska shot 38 percent for the game, its second-lowest total of the season, and the Huskers were just 5-of-22 from the 3-point line.

Nebraska held Indiana to its lowest shooting percentage of the season (40 percent), but the Hoosiers had 10 more points off turnovers than the Huskers, even though Nebraska committed fewer turnovers.

Despite holding Indiana nearly 15 points below its season scoring average, the Huskers fell to 5-4 overall and dropped to 0-1 in Big Ten Conference play. The Hoosiers improved to 7-1 and 1-0 within the conference.

Alonzo Verge Jr. had 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, leading Nebraska in all three categories. Verge scored nine of his 15 points in the second half. Bryce McGowens scored eight points and matched Verge with five rebounds, while Derrick Walker also added eight points and Kobe Webster scored seven points.

Trayce Jackson-Davis led Indiana with 14 points, eight below his season average. Tamar Bates (13) and Race Thompson (11) also scored in double figures, with Thompson adding a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double.

The first half featured extended runs by both teams. Nebraska built a 10-point lead with a 14-2 run over eight minutes, and Indiana responded with a 17-4 run over six minutes to take a three-point lead.

Indiana led 2-0 one minute into the game before the Huskers' 14-2 run. Nebraska's defense forced five turnovers during the run, limited Indiana to 1-of-10 shooting and held the Hoosiers scoreless for more than four minutes. Offensively, McGowens had six points during the run, Verge added four points and Walker and Keisei Tominaga each chipped in two points.  

The Huskers led by 10 with 11 minutes remaining in the half before the Hoosiers went on their run. Nebraska went more three minutes without scoring, and Indiana took advantage with a 7-0 run that closed the gap to 16-13. Two minutes later, Indiana used another 7-0 run to grab a 23-20 lead and force a Husker timeout with 4:10 remaining in the half.

Nebraska got as close as one late in the half but went into the locker room trailing 26-22 after scoring only two points in the final 6:32 of the first half and just eight points in the final 13:25. The Huskers shot only 30 percent (9-of-30) in the half, including just 1-of-10 from the 3-point line. Indiana shot just 37 percent (11-of-30), but the Hoosiers knocked down four 3-pointers. McGowens paced Nebraska with eight first-half points.

The Huskers scored 12 seconds into the second half, but Indiana answered with five points in only 10 seconds to quickly stretch the lead to seven. The Hoosier lead remained between six and eight points until a 7-0 run – Indiana's third 7-0 run of the game – gave IU a 43-30 lead with 14 minutes to play.

Six straight points pulled Nebraska to within seven with 12 minutes remaining. But Indiana responded with an 8-0 over the next two minutes, stretching the lead to 15. The Huskers would not go away, as C.J. Wilcher capped a 7-0 run with a 3-pointer that pulled Nebraska back to within seven with six minutes left.

But Nebraska could get no closer than seven. Following the Husker run, Indiana scored 10 of the next 13 points to build a 63-49 lead with three minutes to play. Nebraska hit a trio of 3-pointers over the final five minutes, but it was not enough to erase the deficit.

Following two straight road games, Nebraska returns home to host Michigan on Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN2 with radio coverage on the Huskers Radio Network.

Nebraska falls to 7-17 all-time against Indiana, including 3-8 all-time in Assembly Hall.

Nebraska held Indiana to its lowest scoring output of the season (also 68 vs. Eastern Michigan).

Nebraska held Indiana to a season-low 40.4 percent shooting from the field.

The Huskers were held to a season-low 55 points, including 5-of-22 from 3-point range.

Alonzo Verge Jr. finished in double figures for the eighth time in nine games as he finished with a team-high 15 points.

Derrick Walker hit 4-of-5 shots from the floor and is now 34-of-40 over the six games.

Nebraska held Indiana to 26 first-half points, its lowest first-half total of the year (previous low, 34 vs. Jackson State).

Nebraska has opened Big Ten play against Indiana four times, including three times in Bloomington.

Keisei Tominaga made his first career start on Saturday, marking the fourth different lineup Nebraska has used this season. 

By NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men's basketball team held Indiana to a season-low in points Saturday, but the Hoosiers overcame an early 10-point deficit and rallied for a 68-55 win at Assembly Hall.The strong defensive effort was not enough to overcome a cold shooting performance for a Husker team playing its second road game in four days following a four-overtime loss at NC State on Wednesday. Nebraska shot 38 percent for the game, its second-lowest total of the season, and the Huskers were just 5-of-22 from the 3-point line.Nebraska held Indiana to its lowest shooting percentage of the season (40 percent), but the Hoosiers had 10 more points off turnovers than the Huskers, even though Nebraska committed fewer turnovers.Despite holding Indiana nearly 15 points below its season scoring average, the Huskers fell to 5-4 overall and dropped to 0-1 in Big Ten Conference play. The Hoosiers improved to 7-1 and 1-0 within the conference.Alonzo Verge Jr. had 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, leading Nebraska in all three categories. Verge scored nine of his 15 points in the second half. Bryce McGowens scored eight points and matched Verge with five rebounds, while Derrick Walker also added eight points and Kobe Webster scored seven points.Trayce Jackson-Davis led Indiana with 14 points, eight below his season average. Tamar Bates (13) and Race Thompson (11) also scored in double figures, with Thompson adding a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double.The first half featured extended runs by both teams. Nebraska built a 10-point lead with a 14-2 run over eight minutes, and Indiana responded with a 17-4 run over six minutes to take a three-point lead.Indiana led 2-0 one minute into the game before the Huskers' 14-2 run. Nebraska's defense forced five turnovers during the run, limited Indiana to 1-of-10 shooting and held the Hoosiers scoreless for more than four minutes. Offensively, McGowens had six points during the run, Verge added four points and Walker and Keisei Tominaga each chipped in two points. The Huskers led by 10 with 11 minutes remaining in the half before the Hoosiers went on their run. Nebraska went more three minutes without scoring, and Indiana took advantage with a 7-0 run that closed the gap to 16-13. Two minutes later, Indiana used another 7-0 run to grab a 23-20 lead and force a Husker timeout with 4:10 remaining in the half.Nebraska got as close as one late in the half but went into the locker room trailing 26-22 after scoring only two points in the final 6:32 of the first half and just eight points in the final 13:25. The Huskers shot only 30 percent (9-of-30) in the half, including just 1-of-10 from the 3-point line. Indiana shot just 37 percent (11-of-30), but the Hoosiers knocked down four 3-pointers. McGowens paced Nebraska with eight first-half points.The Huskers scored 12 seconds into the second half, but Indiana answered with five points in only 10 seconds to quickly stretch the lead to seven. The Hoosier lead remained between six and eight points until a 7-0 run – Indiana's third 7-0 run of the game – gave IU a 43-30 lead with 14 minutes to play.Six straight points pulled Nebraska to within seven with 12 minutes remaining. But Indiana responded with an 8-0 over the next two minutes, stretching the lead to 15. The Huskers would not go away, as C.J. Wilcher capped a 7-0 run with a 3-pointer that pulled Nebraska back to within seven with six minutes left.But Nebraska could get no closer than seven. Following the Husker run, Indiana scored 10 of the next 13 points to build a 63-49 lead with three minutes to play. Nebraska hit a trio of 3-pointers over the final five minutes, but it was not enough to erase the deficit.Following two straight road games, Nebraska returns home to host Michigan on Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN2 with radio coverage on the Huskers Radio Network.Nebraska Postgame NotesNebraska falls to 7-17 all-time against Indiana, including 3-8 all-time in Assembly Hall.Nebraska held Indiana to its lowest scoring output of the season (also 68 vs. Eastern Michigan).Nebraska held Indiana to a season-low 40.4 percent shooting from the field.The Huskers were held to a season-low 55 points, including 5-of-22 from 3-point range.Alonzo Verge Jr. finished in double figures for the eighth time in nine games as he finished with a team-high 15 points.Derrick Walker hit 4-of-5 shots from the floor and is now 34-of-40 over the six games.Nebraska held Indiana to 26 first-half points, its lowest first-half total of the year (previous low, 34 vs. Jackson State).Nebraska has opened Big Ten play against Indiana four times, including three times in Bloomington.Keisei Tominaga made his first career start on Saturday, marking the fourth different lineup Nebraska has used this season.

Huskers Fall to Hoosiers in Big Ten Opener

Photo and Story by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public Information

Torrington, Wyo. – North Platte Community College women's basketball team looked to end the weekend on a high note against Eastern Wyoming College on Saturday afternoon. The Knights launched a late run in the fourth quarter to force overtime, but Eastern Wyoming responded with a 9-0 run to start the extra quarter to close out the Knights, 76-65.

"Not a good weekend for us," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "Hopefully we can learn from these games and improve as we close out the opening part of our season next weekend."

Knights looked to set the pace early by winning the opening tip and attacking the interior of the Lancers defense. Jada Ballard put the Knights on top early after connecting on back-to-back free throw opportunities after she was fouled on the offensive putback, 2-0. Lancers quickly broke the full court press put on by the Knights and knotted the game up with a layup in transition.

North Platte temporarily recaptured the lead inside eight minutes to play in the opening quarter, as Diamond Moore-Heath drove baseline and finished the reverse layup, 4-2. Lancers quickly knotted the game back up on their next possession before the Knights extended their lead out to four.

Inside six minutes to play in the quarter, Fumnaya Ijeh got her defender on her heels by hesitating at the top of the key then quickly driving the lane and answering with a floater to give the Knights back the two-point advantage, 6-4. Moore-Heath extended the Knights lead on their next offensive possession by completing the up and under move in the paint to extend the lead to four, 8-4. Eastern Wyoming responded with a 10-0 run over the final five minutes to take a six-point lead into the quarter break.

Knights answered with a 5-0 run to open the second quarter narrowing the deficit to one in the opening minutes. Lancers answered on their next offensive possession, but the Knights continued to keep Eastern Wyoming from extending their lead to more than three over the next three minutes.

Inside the final four minutes of the second quarter, the Lancers extended their lead to five before a short run capped off by a Kayla Pope layup cut the deficit back to two, 20-22. Eastern Wyoming held off the Knights in the closing minutes and managed to extend their lead back to five before the halftime break, 20-25.

Knights came out strong to open the third quarter cutting the Lancers lead to one on a Pope layup in transition, 24-25. Eastern Wyoming responded over the next 2:20 with a 9-1 run to open a nine-point lead with 6:16 to play in the third quarter.

Janay Brauer halted the Lancers run with a three from the left wing, before Pope narrowed the deficit back to five after connecting on the front end of two free throw opportunities, 29-34. Lancers outscored the Knights 9-8 over the remaining minutes to cling to a six-point lead at the end of the third quarter, 37-43.

Moore-Heath got the Knights started on their opening possession of the fourth quarter getting the feed inside and using the glass to get her layup to fall, 39-43. Lancers and Knights traded baskets from the perimeter over the next three minutes as the Eastern Wyoming lead stayed at four with 6:07 to play in regulation.

Lancers extended their lead back to seven, before an 11-2 run by the Knights gave them the lead inside the final minute of the fourth quarter, 61-59. Pope extended the Knights lead to three inside twenty seconds to play but the Lancers connected on a contested three to send the game to overtime.

Eastern Wyoming surged out of the gate to start the extra quarter, stretching their lead to nine in the opening four minutes. North Platte cut the deficit to six inside the final minute, but the Lancers answered down the stretch to close out the Knights. 

Brauer once again led the Knights with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field. Moore-Heath closed out the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Pope finished the game with 13 points and 10 rebounds. 

Knights (8-4) will return home for back-to-back games as part of the North Platte Community College Classic this coming weekend. North Platte will open against Lamar Community College on Friday, December 10 at 7pm, before taking on Kansas City Kansas Community College on Saturday at 3pm.

Photo and Story by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public InformationTorrington, Wyo. – North Platte Community College women's basketball team looked to end the weekend on a high note against Eastern Wyoming College on Saturday afternoon. The Knights launched a late run in the fourth quarter to force overtime, but Eastern Wyoming responded with a 9-0 run to start the extra quarter to close out the Knights, 76-65."Not a good weekend for us," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "Hopefully we can learn from these games and improve as we close out the opening part of our season next weekend."Knights looked to set the pace early by winning the opening tip and attacking the interior of the Lancers defense. Jada Ballard put the Knights on top early after connecting on back-to-back free throw opportunities after she was fouled on the offensive putback, 2-0. Lancers quickly broke the full court press put on by the Knights and knotted the game up with a layup in transition.North Platte temporarily recaptured the lead inside eight minutes to play in the opening quarter, as Diamond Moore-Heath drove baseline and finished the reverse layup, 4-2. Lancers quickly knotted the game back up on their next possession before the Knights extended their lead out to four.Inside six minutes to play in the quarter, Fumnaya Ijeh got her defender on her heels by hesitating at the top of the key then quickly driving the lane and answering with a floater to give the Knights back the two-point advantage, 6-4. Moore-Heath extended the Knights lead on their next offensive possession by completing the up and under move in the paint to extend the lead to four, 8-4. Eastern Wyoming responded with a 10-0 run over the final five minutes to take a six-point lead into the quarter break.Knights answered with a 5-0 run to open the second quarter narrowing the deficit to one in the opening minutes. Lancers answered on their next offensive possession, but the Knights continued to keep Eastern Wyoming from extending their lead to more than three over the next three minutes.Inside the final four minutes of the second quarter, the Lancers extended their lead to five before a short run capped off by a Kayla Pope layup cut the deficit back to two, 20-22. Eastern Wyoming held off the Knights in the closing minutes and managed to extend their lead back to five before the halftime break, 20-25.Knights came out strong to open the third quarter cutting the Lancers lead to one on a Pope layup in transition, 24-25. Eastern Wyoming responded over the next 2:20 with a 9-1 run to open a nine-point lead with 6:16 to play in the third quarter.Janay Brauer halted the Lancers run with a three from the left wing, before Pope narrowed the deficit back to five after connecting on the front end of two free throw opportunities, 29-34. Lancers outscored the Knights 9-8 over the remaining minutes to cling to a six-point lead at the end of the third quarter, 37-43.Moore-Heath got the Knights started on their opening possession of the fourth quarter getting the feed inside and using the glass to get her layup to fall, 39-43. Lancers and Knights traded baskets from the perimeter over the next three minutes as the Eastern Wyoming lead stayed at four with 6:07 to play in regulation.Lancers extended their lead back to seven, before an 11-2 run by the Knights gave them the lead inside the final minute of the fourth quarter, 61-59. Pope extended the Knights lead to three inside twenty seconds to play but the Lancers connected on a contested three to send the game to overtime.Eastern Wyoming surged out of the gate to start the extra quarter, stretching their lead to nine in the opening four minutes. North Platte cut the deficit to six inside the final minute, but the Lancers answered down the stretch to close out the Knights. Brauer once again led the Knights with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field. Moore-Heath closed out the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Pope finished the game with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Knights (8-4) will return home for back-to-back games as part of the North Platte Community College Classic this coming weekend. North Platte will open against Lamar Community College on Friday, December 10 at 7pm, before taking on Kansas City Kansas Community College on Saturday at 3pm.

Lancers fend off Knights in overtime

Story and Photo by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public Information

Torrington, Wyo. – North Platte Community College men's basketball team battled back from being down fourteen points late in the second half to force a competitive final minute, but ultimately fell short against the Lancers of Eastern Wyoming on Saturday, 78-81.

Eastern Wyoming added the first basket of the game in the opening twenty-three seconds of the first half. Caleb Horne responded for the Knights by grabbing the loose ball and getting his contested layup to fall, 2-2.

Knights and Lancers continued to trade baskets over the next four minutes as the point margin stayed within two during that stretch. Leading 11-9, Eastern Wyoming found their spark on offense as a 12-2 run over the next three minutes extended the Lancers lead to twelve with 12:45 to play before the halftime break.

The Knights answered with their own 7-0 run capped off by a turnaround jumper by German Plotnikov in the lane to pull back within five, 18-23. Lancers silenced the Knights momentum and pushed their lead back to nine as the clock moved inside the final eight minutes of the first half.

North Platte handled the pressure and responded with a 12-2 run to recapture the lead on a transition three by Denys Bachurin. Knights held on to the momentum for the remainder of the half and took a four-point lead into the halftime break, 40-36.

North Platte opened the second half with a transition layup by Plotnikov to extend their lead to six, 42-36. Lancers matched the bucket with a layup of their own before mounting a 12-3 run to take a five-point lead with 12:56 to play in the second half.

Plotnikov ended the run by connecting on back-to-back free throws, before Eastern Wyoming stretched their lead to ten inside ten minutes to play in the second half. North Platte quietly cut into the Lancers lead over the next 2:28 to pull back within three after Nico Felici connected on two free throw opportunities, 59-62.

The Lancers outscored the Knights 17-6 over the next four minutes as their lead grew to fourteen inside 3:30 to play in the second half, 65-79. North Platte answered over the closing minutes as a 13-0 run sparked by a Felici layup on a baseline drive ignited the Knights offense.

Inside the final minute, Mitar Cakovic got both of his free throws to fall narrowing the deficit to three, then a drive and fadeaway jumper by Felici pulled the Knights back within one with eleven seconds to play. In the closing seconds, the Knights forced Eastern Wyoming to earn the win at the free throw line.

The Lancers connected on both free throw opportunities to extend their lead back to three with eight seconds to play in regulation. The Knights had the perfect play drawn up as Plotnikov received the inbound and drove the length of the floor to attempt the buzzer beating three, but the shot fell short as the Lancers held on to defeat the Knights.

Plotnikov paced the Knights with 20 points against the Lancers while Horne capped off his best night in a Knights uniform with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Knights (3-6) will travel to Columbus, Neb. for a single game against the Raiders of Central Community College on Wednesday night. Tip is set for the 6pm inside the Raider Fieldhouse.

Story and Photo by Daniel Stinman -&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public InformationTorrington, Wyo. – North Platte Community College men's basketball team battled back from being down fourteen points late in the second half to force a competitive final minute, but ultimately fell short against the Lancers of Eastern Wyoming on Saturday, 78-81.Eastern Wyoming added the first basket of the game in the opening twenty-three seconds of the first half. Caleb Horne responded for the Knights by grabbing the loose ball and getting his contested layup to fall, 2-2.Knights and Lancers continued to trade baskets over the next four minutes as the point margin stayed within two during that stretch. Leading 11-9, Eastern Wyoming found their spark on offense as a 12-2 run over the next three minutes extended the Lancers lead to twelve with 12:45 to play before the halftime break.The Knights answered with their own 7-0 run capped off by a turnaround jumper by German Plotnikov in the lane to pull back within five, 18-23. Lancers silenced the Knights momentum and pushed their lead back to nine as the clock moved inside the final eight minutes of the first half.North Platte handled the pressure and responded with a 12-2 run to recapture the lead on a transition three by Denys Bachurin. Knights held on to the momentum for the remainder of the half and took a four-point lead into the halftime break, 40-36.North Platte opened the second half with a transition layup by Plotnikov to extend their lead to six, 42-36. Lancers matched the bucket with a layup of their own before mounting a 12-3 run to take a five-point lead with 12:56 to play in the second half.Plotnikov ended the run by connecting on back-to-back free throws, before Eastern Wyoming stretched their lead to ten inside ten minutes to play in the second half. North Platte quietly cut into the Lancers lead over the next 2:28 to pull back within three after Nico Felici connected on two free throw opportunities, 59-62.The Lancers outscored the Knights 17-6 over the next four minutes as their lead grew to fourteen inside 3:30 to play in the second half, 65-79. North Platte answered over the closing minutes as a 13-0 run sparked by a Felici layup on a baseline drive ignited the Knights offense.Inside the final minute, Mitar Cakovic got both of his free throws to fall narrowing the deficit to three, then a drive and fadeaway jumper by Felici pulled the Knights back within one with eleven seconds to play. In the closing seconds, the Knights forced Eastern Wyoming to earn the win at the free throw line.The Lancers connected on both free throw opportunities to extend their lead back to three with eight seconds to play in regulation. The Knights had the perfect play drawn up as Plotnikov received the inbound and drove the length of the floor to attempt the buzzer beating three, but the shot fell short as the Lancers held on to defeat the Knights.Plotnikov paced the Knights with 20 points against the Lancers while Horne capped off his best night in a Knights uniform with 19 points and 13 rebounds.Knights (3-6) will travel to Columbus, Neb. for a single game against the Raiders of Central Community College on Wednesday night. Tip is set for the 6pm inside the Raider Fieldhouse.

Knights fall in closing seconds to Lancers

LAS VEGAS – Mikey Labriola (174) won an individual title and the No. 9 Nebraska wrestling team won its second-straight and fourth overall Cliff Keen Invitational team title on Saturday night at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Labriola was one of eight Huskers who placed as NU amassed 125 team points, the most among the 26 schools competing. 

The championship bracket began with semifinals matches. #11 Chad Red Jr. (141) was the first of seven Huskers to wrestle in the semifinals. Red matched up against #9 Andrew Alirez of Northern Colorado. Red recorded an early escape but couldn't hold off Alirez who claimed the 3-1 decision. 

#12 Ridge Lovett (149) battled the two-time NCAA champion from Cornell, #1 Yianni Diakomihalis. Lovett tallied two escapes and a late reversal in the third period to force an extra period. In overtime, Diakomihalis recorded a takedown and defeated Lovett by decision, 6-4. 

#6 Peyton Robb (157) matched up with #5 Quincy Monday of Princeton. Monday worked quickly as he scored two takedowns and a reversal in the first period. Robb fought back as he totaled four escapes and a late takedown, but ultimately fell 11-6. 

#3 Mikey Labriola (174) was the first of three Huskers to qualify for the finals as he defeated #16 Cade Devos of South Dakota State. Labriola got an escape in the second period and four nearfall points and an escape in the third in route to a 6-2 victory.

Up next, #15 Taylor Venz (184) advanced to the finals with a dominating technical fall. Venz tallied two quick takedowns in the first period before recording a reversal, another takedown and back points to win 16-1. 

The final Husker to qualify for the finals was #10 Eric Schultz (197) as he upset 2021 NCAA championship semifinalist, #6 Jake Woodley of Oklahoma. Schultz grabbed a 3-0 lead after two periods before recording a takedown in the third period to secure the 6-2 win. 

#13 Christian Lance (285) battled Gray Traub of Oregon State, forcing an extra period. After three periods, the wrestlers were tied 1-1. Traub attacked quickly in overtime and recorded a takedown to defeat Lance 3-1. 

Bubba Wilson (165) was the only Husker to compete in the consolation of eight bracket matches on Saturday. Wilson, who matched up against Matthew Malcom of UNK, recorded two takedowns, an escape and a reversal to claim the dominating 11-5 victory. 

Bubba Wilson (165) battled Philip Conigliaro of Harvard, but came up short, falling 3-1. 

#11 Chad Red Jr. (141) grabbed the 4-2 victory over #13 Grant Willits of Oregon State to become the first of three Huskers to qualify for the third-place bout.

#12 Ridge Lovett defeated #15 Mitch Moore of Oklahoma by decision, 3-2. Moore recorded a takedown in the first period, but Lovett responded with two escapes and claimed the riding time point to advance. 

#6 Peyton Robb lost by medical forfeit to #13 Jacob Wright of Wyoming. 

Rounding out the group was #13 Christian Lance (285) who outlasted #16 Lucas Davison of Northwestern. Lance trailed 6-3 before recording an escape and a takedown late in the third period to send the match into overtime. Lance struck first in the extra period to defeat Davison by decision, 8-6.  

Bubba Wilson (165) came up short against #31 Joshua Ogunsanya of Columbia, as he was pinned in the third period. Wilson finished in eighth place. 

#13 Christian Lance (285) scored four takedowns and an escape, upsetting #6 Tate Orndorff of Ohio State 9-4 to secure a third-place finish. 

#12 Ridge Lovett (149) joined Lance as a third-place finisher after #4 Yahya Thomas of Northwestern medically forfeited. 

To close out the third-place bouts, #11 Chad Red Jr. (141) became the third Husker to place third as he defeated Cole Mattin of Michigan 6-1. 

#3 Mikey Labriola (174) took on #6 Ethan Smith of Ohio State in the 174-pound title match on Saturday night. Labriola scored a takedown in sudden victory to secure the Cliff Keen individual title.  

#14 Taylor Venz (184) wrestled Kaleb Romero of Ohio State to a scoreless first period. Venz recorded three escapes but was unable to hold off Romero who tallied three takedowns and won by decision 7-3. 

The final Husker to qualify for the Cliff Keen individual finals was #10 Eric Schultz (197) who matched up against #9 Stephen Buchanan (Wyoming). Schultz, coming off an upset in the semifinals, attacked first with a takedown in the first period and grabbed the 2-1 lead. Schultz started the second period with an escape, but Buchanan found his footing and defeated Schultz by decision 7-3. 

The Huskers will take a two-week break from competition to wrap up the academic semester before returning to action on Dec. 18 when they host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at 2 p.m. in the Devaney Center. Tickets are available on Huskers.com.

Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational Dec. 3-4, 2021 Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas Convention Center) Match Results (rankings from InterMat)

Round of 16: Jack Medley (Michigan) tech. fall. Jeremiah Reno, 18-3 (7:00) Cons. of 16 (#2): Jeremiah Reno dec. Greg Diakomihalis (Cornell), 4-3 Cons. of 8 (#1): Beau Bayless (Harvard) dec. Jeremiah Reno, 8-2

141: #11 Chad Red Jr. (5-1) – 3rd place

Round of 32: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. Zach Zeamer (Oklahoma), 8-4 Round of 16: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. Cole Handlovic (Cornell), 6-4 Quarterfinals: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. #20 Dylan D'Emilio (Ohio State), 3-2 Semifinals: #9 Andrew Alirez (Northern Colorado) dec. #11 Chad Red Jr., 3-1 Cons. Semifinals: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. #13 Grant Willits (Oregon State), 4-2 Third Place Bout: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. Cole Mattin (Michigan), 6-1

149: #12 Ridge Lovett (5-1) – 3rd place

Round of 32: #12 Ridge Lovett major dec. Jaron Jensen (Wyoming), 11-2 Round of 16: #12 Ridge Lovett pinned Kody Komara (Kent State) (4:29) Quarterfinals: #12 Ridge Lovett dec. #6 Jaden Abas (Stanford), 9-2 Semifinals: #1 Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) dec. #12 Ridge Lovett, 6-4 SV Cons. Semifinals: #12 Ridge Lovett dec. #15 Mitch Moore (Oklahoma), 3-2 Third Place Bout: #12 Ridge Lovett dec. #4 Yahya Thomas (Northwestern), medical forfeit

157: #6 Peyton Robb (2-2) – 6th place

Round of 32: Bye Round of 16: #6 Peyton Robb pinned Adam Santoro (Cornell) (6:22) Quarterfinals: #6 Peyton Robb dec. #31 Dazjon Casto (Citadel), 3-1 Semifinals: #5 Quincy Monday (Princeton) dec. #6 Peyton Robb, 11-6 Cons. Semifinals: #13 Jacob Wright dec. #6 Peyton Robb by medical forfeit Fifth Place Bout: #6 Peyton Robb vs. #12 Kendall Coleman (Purdue), no contest

165: Bubba Wilson (3-3) – 8th place

Round of 32: Cameron Amine (Michigan) dec. Bubba Wilson, 5-3 Cons. of 16 (#2): Bubba Wilson pinned Emil Soehnlen (Purdue) (2:13) Cons. of 8 (#1): Bubba Wilson dec. Matthew Olguin (Oregon State), 3-1 Cons. of 8 (#2): Bubba Wilson dec. Mathew Malcom (UNK), 11-5 Cons. of 4: Philip Conigliaro (Harvard) dec. Bubba Wilson, 3-1 Seventh Place Bout: Joshua Ogunsanya (Columbia) pinned Bubba Wilson (5:23)

174: #3 Mikey Labriola (5-0) – 1st place

Round of 32: #3 Mikey Labriola major dec. Michael Squires (Princeton), 18-8 Round of 16: #3 Mikey Labriola dec. Michael Ferree (Kent State), 9-7 Quarterfinals: #3 Mikey Labriola tech. fall #22 Aaron Olmos (Oregon State) (5:19) Semifinals:#3 Mikey Labriola dec. #16 Cade Devos (South Dakota State), 6-2 Finals: #3 Mikey Labriola dec. #6 Ethan Smith (Ohio State), 7-5 SV

184: #15 Taylor Venz (3-1) – 2nd place

Round of 32: Bye Round of 16: #15 Taylor Venz pinned Jack Jessen (Northwestern) (5:27) Quarterfinals: #15 Taylor Venz dec. #24 Travis Stefanik (Princeton), 6-2 Semifinals: #15 Taylor Venz tech. fall #16 Jonathan Loew (Cornell) (7:00) Finals: Kaleb Romero (Ohio State) dec. #15 Taylor Venz, 7-3

197: #10 Eric Schultz (4-1) – 2nd place

Round of 32: #10 Eric Schultz pinned Ben Stemmet (Citadel) (4:23) Round of 16: #10 Eric Schultz dec. Andrew Davison (Northwestern) 4-0 Quarterfinals: #10 Eric Schultz dec. #11 Lou Deprez (Binghamton), 2-0 Semifinals: #10 Eric Schultz dec. #6 Jake Woodley (Oklahoma), 6-2 Finals: #9 Stephen Buchanan (Wyoming) dec. #10 Eric Schultz, 7-3

HWT: #13 Christian Lance (4-1) – 3rd place

Round of 32: Bye Round of 16: #13 Christian Lance major dec. Jacob Clover (Kent State), 20-8 Quarterfinals: #13 Christian Lance dec. #22 AJ Nevills (SDSU), 6-3 Semifinals: Gary Traub (Oregon State) dec. #13 Christian Lance, 3-1 SV Cons. Semifinals: #13 Christian Lance dec. #16 Lucas Davison (Northwestern), 8-6 SV Third Place Bout: #13 Christian Lance dec. #6 Tate Orndorff, 9-4

By NU Athletic CommunicationsLAS VEGAS – Mikey Labriola (174) won an individual title and the No. 9 Nebraska wrestling team won its second-straight and fourth overall Cliff Keen Invitational team title on Saturday night at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Labriola was one of eight Huskers who placed as NU amassed 125 team points, the most among the 26 schools competing. SemifinalsThe championship bracket began with semifinals matches. #11 Chad Red Jr. (141) was the first of seven Huskers to wrestle in the semifinals. Red matched up against #9 Andrew Alirez of Northern Colorado. Red recorded an early escape but couldn't hold off Alirez who claimed the 3-1 decision. #12 Ridge Lovett (149) battled the two-time NCAA champion from Cornell, #1 Yianni Diakomihalis. Lovett tallied two escapes and a late reversal in the third period to force an extra period. In overtime, Diakomihalis recorded a takedown and defeated Lovett by decision, 6-4. #6 Peyton Robb (157) matched up with #5 Quincy Monday of Princeton. Monday worked quickly as he scored two takedowns and a reversal in the first period. Robb fought back as he totaled four escapes and a late takedown, but ultimately fell 11-6. #3 Mikey Labriola (174) was the first of three Huskers to qualify for the finals as he defeated #16 Cade Devos of South Dakota State. Labriola got an escape in the second period and four nearfall points and an escape in the third in route to a 6-2 victory.Up next, #15 Taylor Venz (184) advanced to the finals with a dominating technical fall. Venz tallied two quick takedowns in the first period before recording a reversal, another takedown and back points to win 16-1. The final Husker to qualify for the finals was #10 Eric Schultz (197) as he upset 2021 NCAA championship semifinalist, #6 Jake Woodley of Oklahoma. Schultz grabbed a 3-0 lead after two periods before recording a takedown in the third period to secure the 6-2 win. #13 Christian Lance (285) battled Gray Traub of Oregon State, forcing an extra period. After three periods, the wrestlers were tied 1-1. Traub attacked quickly in overtime and recorded a takedown to defeat Lance 3-1. Consolation of 8 (#2)Bubba Wilson (165) was the only Husker to compete in the consolation of eight bracket matches on Saturday. Wilson, who matched up against Matthew Malcom of UNK, recorded two takedowns, an escape and a reversal to claim the dominating 11-5 victory. Consolation of 4 Bubba Wilson (165) battled Philip Conigliaro of Harvard, but came up short, falling 3-1. Consolation Semifinals #11 Chad Red Jr. (141) grabbed the 4-2 victory over #13 Grant Willits of Oregon State to become the first of three Huskers to qualify for the third-place bout.#12 Ridge Lovett defeated #15 Mitch Moore of Oklahoma by decision, 3-2. Moore recorded a takedown in the first period, but Lovett responded with two escapes and claimed the riding time point to advance. #6 Peyton Robb lost by medical forfeit to #13 Jacob Wright of Wyoming. Rounding out the group was #13 Christian Lance (285) who outlasted #16 Lucas Davison of Northwestern. Lance trailed 6-3 before recording an escape and a takedown late in the third period to send the match into overtime. Lance struck first in the extra period to defeat Davison by decision, 8-6. Seventh-Place BoutsBubba Wilson (165) came up short against #31 Joshua Ogunsanya of Columbia, as he was pinned in the third period. Wilson finished in eighth place. Third-Place Bouts#13 Christian Lance (285) scored four takedowns and an escape, upsetting #6 Tate Orndorff of Ohio State 9-4 to secure a third-place finish. #12 Ridge Lovett (149) joined Lance as a third-place finisher after #4 Yahya Thomas of Northwestern medically forfeited. To close out the third-place bouts, #11 Chad Red Jr. (141) became the third Husker to place third as he defeated Cole Mattin of Michigan 6-1. Finals#3 Mikey Labriola (174) took on #6 Ethan Smith of Ohio State in the 174-pound title match on Saturday night. Labriola scored a takedown in sudden victory to secure the Cliff Keen individual title. #14 Taylor Venz (184) wrestled Kaleb Romero of Ohio State to a scoreless first period. Venz recorded three escapes but was unable to hold off Romero who tallied three takedowns and won by decision 7-3. The final Husker to qualify for the Cliff Keen individual finals was #10 Eric Schultz (197) who matched up against #9 Stephen Buchanan (Wyoming). Schultz, coming off an upset in the semifinals, attacked first with a takedown in the first period and grabbed the 2-1 lead. Schultz started the second period with an escape, but Buchanan found his footing and defeated Schultz by decision 7-3. The Huskers will take a two-week break from competition to wrap up the academic semester before returning to action on Dec. 18 when they host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at 2 p.m. in the Devaney Center. Tickets are available on Huskers.com.Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational Dec. 3-4, 2021 Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas Convention Center) Match Results (rankings from InterMat)125: Jeremiah Reno (1-2) -- DNPRound of 16: Jack Medley (Michigan) tech. fall. Jeremiah Reno, 18-3 (7:00) Cons. of 16 (#2): Jeremiah Reno dec. Greg Diakomihalis (Cornell), 4-3 Cons. of 8 (#1): Beau Bayless (Harvard) dec. Jeremiah Reno, 8-2141: #11 Chad Red Jr. (5-1) – 3rd placeRound of 32: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. Zach Zeamer (Oklahoma), 8-4 Round of 16: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. Cole Handlovic (Cornell), 6-4 Quarterfinals: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. #20 Dylan D'Emilio (Ohio State), 3-2 Semifinals: #9 Andrew Alirez (Northern Colorado) dec. #11 Chad Red Jr., 3-1 Cons. Semifinals: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. #13 Grant Willits (Oregon State), 4-2 Third Place Bout: #11 Chad Red Jr. dec. Cole Mattin (Michigan), 6-1149: #12 Ridge Lovett (5-1) – 3rd place Round of 32: #12 Ridge Lovett major dec. Jaron Jensen (Wyoming), 11-2 Round of 16: #12 Ridge Lovett pinned Kody Komara (Kent State) (4:29) Quarterfinals: #12 Ridge Lovett dec. #6 Jaden Abas (Stanford), 9-2 Semifinals: #1 Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) dec. #12 Ridge Lovett, 6-4 SV Cons. Semifinals: #12 Ridge Lovett dec. #15 Mitch Moore (Oklahoma), 3-2 Third Place Bout: #12 Ridge Lovett dec. #4 Yahya Thomas (Northwestern), medical forfeit157: #6 Peyton Robb (2-2) – 6th placeRound of 32: Bye Round of 16: #6 Peyton Robb pinned Adam Santoro (Cornell) (6:22) Quarterfinals: #6 Peyton Robb dec. #31 Dazjon Casto (Citadel), 3-1 Semifinals: #5 Quincy Monday (Princeton) dec. #6 Peyton Robb, 11-6 Cons. Semifinals: #13 Jacob Wright dec. #6 Peyton Robb by medical forfeit Fifth Place Bout: #6 Peyton Robb vs. #12 Kendall Coleman (Purdue), no contest165: Bubba Wilson (3-3) – 8th place Round of 32: Cameron Amine (Michigan) dec. Bubba Wilson, 5-3 Cons. of 16 (#2): Bubba Wilson pinned Emil Soehnlen (Purdue) (2:13) Cons. of 8 (#1): Bubba Wilson dec. Matthew Olguin (Oregon State), 3-1 Cons. of 8 (#2): Bubba Wilson dec. Mathew Malcom (UNK), 11-5 Cons. of 4: Philip Conigliaro (Harvard) dec. Bubba Wilson, 3-1 Seventh Place Bout: Joshua Ogunsanya (Columbia) pinned Bubba Wilson (5:23)174: #3 Mikey Labriola (5-0) – 1st place Round of 32: #3 Mikey Labriola major dec. Michael Squires (Princeton), 18-8 Round of 16: #3 Mikey Labriola dec. Michael Ferree (Kent State), 9-7 Quarterfinals: #3 Mikey Labriola tech. fall #22 Aaron Olmos (Oregon State) (5:19) Semifinals:#3 Mikey Labriola dec. #16 Cade Devos (South Dakota State), 6-2 Finals: #3 Mikey Labriola dec. #6 Ethan Smith (Ohio State), 7-5 SV184: #15 Taylor Venz (3-1) – 2nd place Round of 32: Bye Round of 16: #15 Taylor Venz pinned Jack Jessen (Northwestern) (5:27) Quarterfinals: #15 Taylor Venz dec. #24 Travis Stefanik (Princeton), 6-2 Semifinals: #15 Taylor Venz tech. fall #16 Jonathan Loew (Cornell) (7:00) Finals: Kaleb Romero (Ohio State) dec. #15 Taylor Venz, 7-3197: #10 Eric Schultz (4-1) – 2nd place Round of 32: #10 Eric Schultz pinned Ben Stemmet (Citadel) (4:23) Round of 16: #10 Eric Schultz dec. Andrew Davison (Northwestern) 4-0 Quarterfinals: #10 Eric Schultz dec. #11 Lou Deprez (Binghamton), 2-0 Semifinals: #10 Eric Schultz dec. #6 Jake Woodley (Oklahoma), 6-2 Finals: #9 Stephen Buchanan (Wyoming) dec. #10 Eric Schultz, 7-3HWT: #13 Christian Lance (4-1) – 3rd placeRound of 32: Bye Round of 16: #13 Christian Lance major dec. Jacob Clover (Kent State), 20-8 Quarterfinals: #13 Christian Lance dec. #22 AJ Nevills (SDSU), 6-3 Semifinals: Gary Traub (Oregon State) dec. #13 Christian Lance, 3-1 SV Cons. Semifinals: #13 Christian Lance dec. #16 Lucas Davison (Northwestern), 8-6 SV Third Place Bout: #13 Christian Lance dec. #6 Tate Orndorff, 9-4

Labriola Wins, NU Claims Second-Straight Cliff Keen Title

The 10th-seeded Nebraska volleyball team advanced to its 10th straight NCAA Regional Saturday night with a second-round sweep of Florida State by scores of 25-20, 25-22, 25-17 at the Devaney Center. The Huskers improved to 23-7 on the year, while FSU finished its season at 20-10. With the win, Nebraska moves on to the Austin (Texas) Regional, where the Huskers will face Illinois on Thursday. The Fighting Illini upset seventh-seeded Kentucky, the defending national champion, on Saturday. Three Huskers finished with double-digit kills and two players posted double-doubles.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43487">Madi Kubik</a>&nbsp;had a match-high 12 kills and added a season-high 15 digs for her sixth double-double of the year.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43118">Ally Batenhorst</a>&nbsp;had 11 kills and hit .308 in only her second NCAA Tournament match, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43492">Lauren Stivrins</a>&nbsp;had 10 kills on a .429 attack percentage.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43482">Nicklin Hames</a>&nbsp;dished out 39 assists and had 12 digs for her team-leading 20th double-double of the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43484">Kayla Caffey</a>&nbsp;added nine kills and five blocks, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43120">Lindsay Krause</a>&nbsp;put down eight kills and had four stuffs.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43123">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;led Nebraska with 18 digs, and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43483">Kenzie Knuckles</a>&nbsp;tied her career high with three service aces to go with eight digs. As a team, Nebraska had 54 kills, its high for a three-set match this season. The Huskers recorded 71 digs, a school record for a three-set NCAA Tournament match. Nebraska also out-blocked Florida State 9-6 and had a 4-2 edge in service aces. Audrey Koenig led Florida State with nine kills. Lily Tessier had 24 assists for the Seminoles, and Emery Dupes had a match-high 20 digs. Set 1 Two Kubik kills spurred NU to an early 4-2 advantage before a 4-0 run put FSU on top. The Huskers regained the lead on a 7-2 run with three kills and a block by Batenhorst, a Hames ace and two more kills from Kubik that brought it to 12-9. The lead increased to 15-11 by the media timeout, with NU hitting .423 with no errors. FSU pulled within three twice on Husker miscues, but at 18-15 NU responded with a 5-0 run on four kills between Batenhorst, Kubik and Caffey, plus a Caffey/Batenhorst block. Batenhorst swatted another kill to get it to set point, after which a kill and a solo block by Sydney Conley bookended a 3-0 FSU run. Out of an NU timeout, Kubik terminated to finish it off, 25-20. NU hit above .300 for much of the opening set, ultimately coming in at a .294 clip. Kubik and Batenhorst combined for 13 of Nebraska's 19 kills, with the junior tallying seven and the freshman posting six with no errors for .667 hitting. Caffey had three blocks as NU had a 4-1 advantage at the net. Set 2 Out of a 2-2 lock, NU rattled off five straight with the help of two blocks and a kill apiece between Krause and Stivrins, leading 7-2 when FSU called a timeout. The Seminoles trimmed it to 7-6 before a Kubik kill and a trio of FSU errors boosted NU's advantage to 11-6. The Huskers assumed their largest lead of six on a Kubik kill at 20-14. After FSU got within three, the Huskers responded with Batenhorst and Krause kills to reach set point at 24-19. The Seminoles got back within two at 24-22 on three straight NU attack errors, but Krause's sixth kill of the set capped it at 25-22 for a 2-0 match lead. In addition to her six kills, Krause added three blocks in set two. Set 3 Nebraska trailed early in the third set as FSU went up 4-1. Five Stivrins kills powered a 9-1 Husker run that spotted them a 10-5 edge. Florida State cut the lead to two with three straight points. It was still a two-point set at 13-11 before the Huskers used a 4-0 run to pull away. NU earned its first match point at 24-17 following a Caffey kill, and then Caffey closed out the match with another kill three rallies later. Stivrins had five kills in the third set, while Hames had three kills. Up Next Nebraska advances to NCAA Regional play, Dec. 9 and 11, in Austin, Texas, facing Big Ten peer Illinois on Thursday. Match times and broadcast information will be announced in the coming days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By NU Athletic CommunicationsThe 10th-seeded Nebraska volleyball team advanced to its 10th straight NCAA Regional Saturday night with a second-round sweep of Florida State by scores of 25-20, 25-22, 25-17 at the Devaney Center. The Huskers improved to 23-7 on the year, while FSU finished its season at 20-10. With the win, Nebraska moves on to the Austin (Texas) Regional, where the Huskers will face Illinois on Thursday. The Fighting Illini upset seventh-seeded Kentucky, the defending national champion, on Saturday. Three Huskers finished with double-digit kills and two players posted double-doubles.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43487">Madi Kubik</a>&nbsp;had a match-high 12 kills and added a season-high 15 digs for her sixth double-double of the year.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43118">Ally Batenhorst</a>&nbsp;had 11 kills and hit .308 in only her second NCAA Tournament match, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43492">Lauren Stivrins</a>&nbsp;had 10 kills on a .429 attack percentage.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43482">Nicklin Hames</a>&nbsp;dished out 39 assists and had 12 digs for her team-leading 20th double-double of the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43484">Kayla Caffey</a>&nbsp;added nine kills and five blocks, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43120">Lindsay Krause</a>&nbsp;put down eight kills and had four stuffs.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43123">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;led Nebraska with 18 digs, and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43483">Kenzie Knuckles</a>&nbsp;tied her career high with three service aces to go with eight digs. As a team, Nebraska had 54 kills, its high for a three-set match this season. The Huskers recorded 71 digs, a school record for a three-set NCAA Tournament match. Nebraska also out-blocked Florida State 9-6 and had a 4-2 edge in service aces. Audrey Koenig led Florida State with nine kills. Lily Tessier had 24 assists for the Seminoles, and Emery Dupes had a match-high 20 digs. Set 1 Two Kubik kills spurred NU to an early 4-2 advantage before a 4-0 run put FSU on top. The Huskers regained the lead on a 7-2 run with three kills and a block by Batenhorst, a Hames ace and two more kills from Kubik that brought it to 12-9. The lead increased to 15-11 by the media timeout, with NU hitting .423 with no errors. FSU pulled within three twice on Husker miscues, but at 18-15 NU responded with a 5-0 run on four kills between Batenhorst, Kubik and Caffey, plus a Caffey/Batenhorst block. Batenhorst swatted another kill to get it to set point, after which a kill and a solo block by Sydney Conley bookended a 3-0 FSU run. Out of an NU timeout, Kubik terminated to finish it off, 25-20. NU hit above .300 for much of the opening set, ultimately coming in at a .294 clip. Kubik and Batenhorst combined for 13 of Nebraska's 19 kills, with the junior tallying seven and the freshman posting six with no errors for .667 hitting. Caffey had three blocks as NU had a 4-1 advantage at the net. Set 2 Out of a 2-2 lock, NU rattled off five straight with the help of two blocks and a kill apiece between Krause and Stivrins, leading 7-2 when FSU called a timeout. The Seminoles trimmed it to 7-6 before a Kubik kill and a trio of FSU errors boosted NU's advantage to 11-6. The Huskers assumed their largest lead of six on a Kubik kill at 20-14. After FSU got within three, the Huskers responded with Batenhorst and Krause kills to reach set point at 24-19. The Seminoles got back within two at 24-22 on three straight NU attack errors, but Krause's sixth kill of the set capped it at 25-22 for a 2-0 match lead. In addition to her six kills, Krause added three blocks in set two. Set 3 Nebraska trailed early in the third set as FSU went up 4-1. Five Stivrins kills powered a 9-1 Husker run that spotted them a 10-5 edge. Florida State cut the lead to two with three straight points. It was still a two-point set at 13-11 before the Huskers used a 4-0 run to pull away. NU earned its first match point at 24-17 following a Caffey kill, and then Caffey closed out the match with another kill three rallies later. Stivrins had five kills in the third set, while Hames had three kills. Up Next Nebraska advances to NCAA Regional play, Dec. 9 and 11, in Austin, Texas, facing Big Ten peer Illinois on Thursday. Match times and broadcast information will be announced in the coming days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Sweeps FSU to Reach NCAA Regional

Updates - Included a quote from Kevin Dodson along with updating the fact that North Platte St. Pats had made the playoffs this year*

This past Wednesday was a big day for NSAA football teams. It was a day that they needed to declare what Class they wanted to play in for the following cycle.&nbsp;

Three area teams are dropping down for this upcoming cycle, the most surprising of these teams is North Platte St. Pats who will play 8-man football starting next year. The Irish have spent the last 10 years "opting up" in order to stay playing 11-man football.

Also, dropping down are Brady who moves down from 8-man to play 6-man football, and Garden County who will also drop down to 6-man from 8-man.&nbsp;

For North Platte St. Pats this ends a long tradition of 11-man football. Which includes three state championships (1984, 1985, 2004) and one runner-up (1987). The Irish have also only missed the playoffs in one year (2007) since the turn of the century.&nbsp;

Head Coach Kevin Dodson had this to say on the decision:

"We are looking forward to the new challenges that come with playing 8-man football. We also are excited to renew some old SPVA rivalries from other area teams who changed to 8-man in previous years. As always we are committed to creating a competitive program and embrace this new change."

Updates - Included a quote from Kevin Dodson along with updating the fact that North Platte St. Pats had made the playoffs this year*This past Wednesday was a big day for NSAA football teams. It was a day that they needed to declare what Class they wanted to play in for the following cycle.&nbsp;Three area teams are dropping down for this upcoming cycle, the most surprising of these teams is North Platte St. Pats who will play 8-man football starting next year. The Irish have spent the last 10 years "opting up" in order to stay playing 11-man football.Also, dropping down are Brady who moves down from 8-man to play 6-man football, and Garden County who will also drop down to 6-man from 8-man.&nbsp;For North Platte St. Pats this ends a long tradition of 11-man football. Which includes three state championships (1984, 1985, 2004) and one runner-up (1987). The Irish have also only missed the playoffs in one year (2007) since the turn of the century.&nbsp;Head Coach Kevin Dodson had this to say on the decision:"We are looking forward to the new challenges that come with playing 8-man football. We also are excited to renew some old SPVA rivalries from other area teams who changed to 8-man in previous years. As always we are committed to creating a competitive program and embrace this new change."

Area Sports: North Platte St. Pats among three area schools opting down in football - UPDATED

North Platte High School Activities Director Jordan Cudney and Eagle Sports Director Kyle Laboria joined Scotty on Mornings with Scotty C. (FM 98.1 and 1410 AM) this morning live to talk about the Battle on the Bricks wrestling match happening tonight between NPHS and Gering outside in the beautiful and historic Canteen District. Listen for the details.

Live video streaming is available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJPciC4JSM-8-X9rsWyb7JQ">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638552362032.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte High School Activities Director Jordan Cudney and Eagle Sports Director Kyle Laboria joined Scotty on Mornings with Scotty C. (FM 98.1 and 1410 AM) this morning live to talk about the Battle on the Bricks wrestling match happening tonight between NPHS and Gering outside in the beautiful and historic Canteen District. Listen for the details.<div><iframe title="NPHS Wrestling vs. Gering on the bricks in the Canteen District tonight" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kc88y-1148a21-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>Live video streaming is available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJPciC4JSM-8-X9rsWyb7JQ">HERE</a>.

🎙 NPHS Wrestling vs. Gering on the bricks in the Canteen District tonight

Anselmo-Merna 31, Paxton 29 Cambridge 58, Hitchcock County 57 Cozad 49, Chase County 42 Lexington 54, Gothenburg 48 Medicine Valley 61, Southwest 37 Mullen 54, Sutherland 29 North Platte 60, Millard West 58 (OT) Perkins County 57, Hershey 56 Wallace 51, Wauneta-Palisade 24

Anselmo-Merna 52, Paxton 34 Cambridge 49, Hitchcock County 21 Chase County 58, Cozad 34 Gothenburg 48, Lexington 35 Hershey 64, Perkins County 39 Mullen 29, Sutherland 25 North Platte 41, Millard West 40 South Platte 47, Arthur County 27 Southwest 43, Medicine Valley 24 Wauneta-Palisade 66, Wallace 60

Boys BasketballAnselmo-Merna 31, Paxton 29 Cambridge 58, Hitchcock County 57 Cozad 49, Chase County 42 Lexington 54, Gothenburg 48 Medicine Valley 61, Southwest 37 Mullen 54, Sutherland 29 North Platte 60, Millard West 58 (OT) Perkins County 57, Hershey 56 Wallace 51, Wauneta-Palisade 24Girls BasketballAnselmo-Merna 52, Paxton 34 Cambridge 49, Hitchcock County 21 Chase County 58, Cozad 34 Gothenburg 48, Lexington 35 Hershey 64, Perkins County 39 Mullen 29, Sutherland 25 North Platte 41, Millard West 40 South Platte 47, Arthur County 27 Southwest 43, Medicine Valley 24 Wauneta-Palisade 66, Wallace 60

Area sports: basketball from 12/2

12.2.2021 NPHS Basketball home vs Millard West - LIVESTREAM!

Story by&nbsp; RONALD BLUM and STEPHEN HAWKINS - Associated Press

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball plunged into its first work stoppage in a quarter-century when the sport’s collective bargaining agreement expired Wednesday night and owners immediately locked out players in a move that threatens spring training and opening day.

The strategy, management’s equivalent of a strike under federal labor law, ended the sport’s labor peace after 9,740 days over 26 1/2 years.

Teams decided to force the long-anticipated confrontation during an offseason rather than risk players walking out during the summer, as they did in 1994. Players and owners had successfully reached four consecutive agreements without a work stoppage, but they have been accelerating toward a clash for more than two years.

“We believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred wrote in a letter to fans. “We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. This defensive lockout was necessary because the players’ association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive.”

Talks that started last spring ended Wednesday after a brief session of mere minutes with the sides far apart on the dozens of key economic issues. Management’s negotiators left the union’s hotel about nine hours before the deal lapsed at 11:59 p.m. EST.

MLB’s 30 controlling owners held a brief digital meeting to reaffirm their lockout decision, and MLB delivered the announcement of its fourth-ever lockout — to go along with five strikes — in an emailed letter to the Major League Baseball Players Association.

“This drastic and unnecessary measure will not affect the players’ resolve to reach a fair contract,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement. “We remain committed to negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement that enhances competition, improves the product for our fans, and advances the rights and benefits of our membership.”

This stoppage began 30 days after Atlanta’s World Series win capped a complete season following a pandemic-shortened 2020 played in empty ballparks.

The lockout’s immediate impacts were a memo from MLB to clubs freezing signings, the cancellation of next week’s annual winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, and banishing players from team workout facilities and weight rooms while perhaps chilling ticket sales for 2022.

The union demanded change following anger over a declining average salary, middle-class players forced out by teams concentrating payroll on the wealthy and veterans jettisoned in favor of lower-paid youth, especially among clubs tearing down their rosters to rebuild.

“As players we see major problems with it,” New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer said of the 2016 agreement. “First and foremost, we see a competition problem and how teams are behaving because of certain rules that are within that, and adjustments have to be made because of that in order to bring out the competition.”

Eleven weeks remain until pitchers and catchers are to report for spring training on Feb. 16, leaving about 70 days to reach a deal allowing for an on-time start. Opening day is set for March 31, and a minimum of three weeks of organized workouts have been required in the past.

Management, intent on preserving salary restraints gained in recent decades, rejected the union’s requests for what teams regarded as significant alterations to the sport’s economic structure, including lowering service time needed for free agency and salary arbitration.

“We offered to establish a minimum payroll for all clubs to meet for the first time in baseball history; to allow the majority of players to reach free agency earlier through an age-based system that would eliminate any claims of service time manipulation; and to increase compensation for all young players,” Manfred wrote. “When negotiations lacked momentum, we tried to create some by offering to accept the universal designated hitter, to create a new draft system using a lottery similar to other leagues.”

Many clubs scrambled to add players ahead of the lockout, committing to more than $1.9 billion in new contracts — including a one-day record of more than $1.4 billion Wednesday.

Two of the eight members of the union’s executive subcommittee signed big deals: Texas infielder Marcus Semien ($175 million) and Scherzer ($130 million).

“This is actually kind of fun,” Scherzer said. “I’m a fan of the game, and to watch everybody sign right now, to actually see teams competing in this kind of timely fashion, it’s been refreshing because we’ve seen freezes for the past several offseasons.”

No player remains active from the 232-day strike that cut short the 1994 season, led to the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years and caused the following season to start late.

The average salary dropped from $1.17 million before the strike to $1.11 million but then resumed its seemingly inexorable rise. It peaked at just under $4.1 million in 2017, the first season of the latest CBA, but likely will fall to about $3.7 million when this year’s final figures are calculated.

That money is concentrated heavily at the top of the salary structure. Among approximately 1,955 players who signed major league contracts at any point going into the regular season’s final month, 112 had earned $10 million or more this year as of Aug. 31, of which 40 made at least $20 million, including prorated shares of signing bonuses.

There were 1,397 earning under $1 million, of which 1,271 were at $600,000 or less and 332 under $100,000, a group of younger players who shuttle back and forth to the minors.

A union statement claimed the lockout “was specifically calculated to pressure players into relinquishing rights and benefits, and abandoning good-faith bargaining proposals that will benefit not just players, but the game and industry as a whole. ... We have been here before, and players have risen to the occassion time and again — guided by a solidarity that has been forged over generations.”

The union has withheld licensing money, as it usually does going into bargaining; cash, U.S. Treasury securities and investments totaled $178.5 million last Dec. 31, according to a financial disclosure form filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Some player agents have speculated that management’s credit lines already may be pressured following income deprivation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but the clubs’ finances are more opaque publicly than that of the union, making it difficult to ascertain comparative financial strength to withstand a lengthy work stoppage.

Manfred succeeded Bud Selig as commissioner in 2015 following a quarter-century as an MLB labor negotiator. He was unusually critical publicly of the union’s stance.

“They never wavered from collectively the most extreme set of proposals in their history,” he said, “including significant cuts to the revenue-sharing system, a weakening of the competitive balance tax, and shortening the period of time that players play for their teams. All of these changes would make our game less competitive.”

Blum reported from New York and Hawkins from Irving, Texas.

AP Sports Writer Will Graves contributed to this report.

Story by&nbsp; RONALD BLUM and STEPHEN HAWKINS - Associated Press IRVING, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball plunged into its first work stoppage in a quarter-century when the sport’s collective bargaining agreement expired Wednesday night and owners immediately locked out players in a move that threatens spring training and opening day.The strategy, management’s equivalent of a strike under federal labor law, ended the sport’s labor peace after 9,740 days over 26 1/2 years.Teams decided to force the long-anticipated confrontation during an offseason rather than risk players walking out during the summer, as they did in 1994. Players and owners had successfully reached four consecutive agreements without a work stoppage, but they have been accelerating toward a clash for more than two years.“We believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred wrote in a letter to fans. “We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. This defensive lockout was necessary because the players’ association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive.”Talks that started last spring ended Wednesday after a brief session of mere minutes with the sides far apart on the dozens of key economic issues. Management’s negotiators left the union’s hotel about nine hours before the deal lapsed at 11:59 p.m. EST.MLB’s 30 controlling owners held a brief digital meeting to reaffirm their lockout decision, and MLB delivered the announcement of its fourth-ever lockout — to go along with five strikes — in an emailed letter to the Major League Baseball Players Association.“This drastic and unnecessary measure will not affect the players’ resolve to reach a fair contract,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement. “We remain committed to negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement that enhances competition, improves the product for our fans, and advances the rights and benefits of our membership.”This stoppage began 30 days after Atlanta’s World Series win capped a complete season following a pandemic-shortened 2020 played in empty ballparks.The lockout’s immediate impacts were a memo from MLB to clubs freezing signings, the cancellation of next week’s annual winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, and banishing players from team workout facilities and weight rooms while perhaps chilling ticket sales for 2022.The union demanded change following anger over a declining average salary, middle-class players forced out by teams concentrating payroll on the wealthy and veterans jettisoned in favor of lower-paid youth, especially among clubs tearing down their rosters to rebuild.“As players we see major problems with it,” New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer said of the 2016 agreement. “First and foremost, we see a competition problem and how teams are behaving because of certain rules that are within that, and adjustments have to be made because of that in order to bring out the competition.”Eleven weeks remain until pitchers and catchers are to report for spring training on Feb. 16, leaving about 70 days to reach a deal allowing for an on-time start. Opening day is set for March 31, and a minimum of three weeks of organized workouts have been required in the past.Management, intent on preserving salary restraints gained in recent decades, rejected the union’s requests for what teams regarded as significant alterations to the sport’s economic structure, including lowering service time needed for free agency and salary arbitration.“We offered to establish a minimum payroll for all clubs to meet for the first time in baseball history; to allow the majority of players to reach free agency earlier through an age-based system that would eliminate any claims of service time manipulation; and to increase compensation for all young players,” Manfred wrote. “When negotiations lacked momentum, we tried to create some by offering to accept the universal designated hitter, to create a new draft system using a lottery similar to other leagues.”Many clubs scrambled to add players ahead of the lockout, committing to more than $1.9 billion in new contracts — including a one-day record of more than $1.4 billion Wednesday.Two of the eight members of the union’s executive subcommittee signed big deals: Texas infielder Marcus Semien ($175 million) and Scherzer ($130 million).“This is actually kind of fun,” Scherzer said. “I’m a fan of the game, and to watch everybody sign right now, to actually see teams competing in this kind of timely fashion, it’s been refreshing because we’ve seen freezes for the past several offseasons.”No player remains active from the 232-day strike that cut short the 1994 season, led to the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years and caused the following season to start late.The average salary dropped from $1.17 million before the strike to $1.11 million but then resumed its seemingly inexorable rise. It peaked at just under $4.1 million in 2017, the first season of the latest CBA, but likely will fall to about $3.7 million when this year’s final figures are calculated.That money is concentrated heavily at the top of the salary structure. Among approximately 1,955 players who signed major league contracts at any point going into the regular season’s final month, 112 had earned $10 million or more this year as of Aug. 31, of which 40 made at least $20 million, including prorated shares of signing bonuses.There were 1,397 earning under $1 million, of which 1,271 were at $600,000 or less and 332 under $100,000, a group of younger players who shuttle back and forth to the minors.A union statement claimed the lockout “was specifically calculated to pressure players into relinquishing rights and benefits, and abandoning good-faith bargaining proposals that will benefit not just players, but the game and industry as a whole. ... We have been here before, and players have risen to the occassion time and again — guided by a solidarity that has been forged over generations.”The union has withheld licensing money, as it usually does going into bargaining; cash, U.S. Treasury securities and investments totaled $178.5 million last Dec. 31, according to a financial disclosure form filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.Some player agents have speculated that management’s credit lines already may be pressured following income deprivation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but the clubs’ finances are more opaque publicly than that of the union, making it difficult to ascertain comparative financial strength to withstand a lengthy work stoppage.Manfred succeeded Bud Selig as commissioner in 2015 following a quarter-century as an MLB labor negotiator. He was unusually critical publicly of the union’s stance.“They never wavered from collectively the most extreme set of proposals in their history,” he said, “including significant cuts to the revenue-sharing system, a weakening of the competitive balance tax, and shortening the period of time that players play for their teams. All of these changes would make our game less competitive.”___Blum reported from New York and Hawkins from Irving, Texas.___AP Sports Writer Will Graves contributed to this report.

MLB owners lock out players, 1st work stoppage since 1995

The Nebraska men's basketball team had numerous chances to pick up a road win Wednesday night at NC State, but the Wolfpack rallied on multiple occasions en route to a 104-100 quadruple-overtime win at PNC Arena.

The Huskers (5-3) led by 14 with less than 10 minutes to play in regulation but gave up a game-tying 14-0 run to the Wolfpack. NU also led by one with 16 seconds remaining in regulation and was denied a chance to win as Alonzo Verge Jr. missed a potential game-winning shot as time expired on an attempt where it appeared he was hit on the arm.

After missing a chance to win in the closing seconds of regulation, Nebraska missed another potential game-winning shot in the first overtime. Then in the second overtime, Bryce McGowens went to the line with 2.5 seconds left and the Huskers trailing by one. McGowens calmly sank the first free throw but following an NC State timeout, his second free throw rimmed out. In the third overtime, Nebraska led by two until NC State tied the game with five seconds remaining.

NC State, which overcame a deficit in the final 20 seconds of regulation, the last 10 seconds of the first overtime, the final 50 seconds of the second overtime and the last 10 seconds of the third overtime, never trailed in the fourth overtime. The Wolfpack outscored the Huskers 12-8 in the final period to improve to 6-1 on the season.

Nebraska made seven more field goals than NC State – including three more 3-pointers – while shooting 42 percent compared to 37 percent by the Wolfpack. But in a matchup where both teams entered the game averaging 24 free throws per game, NC State shot 27 more free throws than the Huskers, going 32-of-42 at the line to outscore Nebraska (11-of-15) by 21 at the charity stripe.

Verge paced four Huskers in double figures. He posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds and narrowly missed out on a triple-double after dishing out eight assists. Derrick Walker Jr. also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. McGowens added 24 points and nine rebounds, while Keisei Tominaga hit five 3-pointers and scored 16 points.

Dereon Seabron led NC State with 39 points and 18 rebounds. Seabron was 17-of-20 from the free throw line, taking more free throws than the entire Husker team combined. He scored 17 of his 39 points in the overtime periods, including a game-tying free throw with five seconds remaining in regulation, another game-tying free throw with six seconds left in the first overtime and a go-ahead basket with four seconds remaining in the third overtime.

Nebraska led by one at the half, using strong shooting to overcome 11 first-half turnovers. The Huskers shot 57 percent from the field in the half, including 13-of-17 from inside the arc, leading to a 24-12 advantage in the paint. Nebraska also out-rebounded NC State by four in the first half, and the Husker defense held the Wolfpack to 36 percent shooting.

Walker opened the scoring with the game's first basket on Nebraska's opening possession, but NC State scored the next eight points to race to an early six-point lead. Nebraska pulled to within one at 13-12 on a Tominaga 3-pointer but a 10-2 run gave the Wolfpack a 23-14 lead halfway through the period.

After the teams traded layups, McGowens scored seven points during an 11-3 Husker run that tied the game at 27 with six minutes left in the half. Nebraska grabbed the lead one minute later when Tominaga converted on a four-point play. NU led by as many as four then briefly fell behind before Verge hit a pair of free throws to send the Huskers into the locker room with a 39-38 lead.

Verge had 12 points in the first half, including all six Husker points in the final 3:25. He knocked down 5-of-7 shots and added five rebounds and four assists. McGowens and Tominaga each had seven first-half points for the Big Red.

Nebraska opened the second half with an 8-2 run, including five straight points by Lat Mayen. The Huskers hit a pair of 3-pointers during the run and another three from Tominaga – NU's third 3-pointer in three minutes – gave Nebraska seven-point advantage at the under-16 media timeout.

Following an NC State basket, Nebraska scored seven straight points to stretch the lead to 57-44 with less than 12 minutes to play. The Husker defense held the Wolfpack scoreless for more than four minutes during the run, forcing seven consecutive missed shots.

Nebraska built its largest lead at 61-47 with 9:51 remaining before NC State made its surge. The Wolfpack needed less than four minutes to regain the lead, using a 14-0 run to tie the game. A skirmish following Jerico Hellems' game-tying 3-pointer resulted in a double technical and ejections for both teams.

After a lengthy delay, McGowens snapped the run with a driving layup to break the tie. NC State scored the next three points to grab its first lead of the second half, but Tominaga answered with a 3-pointer and Verge was credited with a basket on a goaltending call to give the Huskers a 68-65 lead with 3:44 to play.

But Verge's basket was the last points Nebraska would score for more than three minutes. With the Huskers struggling to score, Seabron hit a pair of baskets nearly two minutes apart to give NC State a one-point lead with two minutes remaining. Neither team scored again until Verge connected on a driving layup with 16.6 seconds remaining to give Nebraska a 70-69 lead. Seabron – who scored the final eight points of regulation for the Wolfpack – was then fouled and connected on 1-of-2 free throws with 7.2 seconds left to tie the game. Verge then drew contact on his potential game-winning shot as time expired but did not get the call and his shot missed.

The first overtime period was scoreless until the final minute. Nebraska missed its first seven shots before Walker scored in the paint to give Nebraska a 72-70 lead. NC State answered with a game-tying basket 14 seconds later, but Verge hit a floater in the lane to give Nebraska a 74-72 lead. Seabron then found himself back at the line, and he knocked down both free throws to tie the game with 16.4 seconds left. Verge had another chance to win it in the closing seconds, but his jumper missed.

NC State scored a basket just 16 seconds into the second overtime period but Nebraska answered with seven straight points. McGowens started the run with a tough basket, Tominaga added his fifth 3-pointer of the game and McGowens knocked down a pair of free throws to give Nebraska an 81-76 lead.

But on the ensuing possession, Nebraska fouled Hellems on a 3-point attempt and he knocked down two of his three free throws to trim the Husker lead to three with two minutes to play. Verge and Seabron then traded baskets before Walker and Seabron each made a pair of free throws, keeping the lead at three with one minute remaining. A fast-break basket layup pulled the Wolfpack to within one and Nebraska could not score on its next possession. Down by one, the Wolfpack called a timeout with 10.6 seconds left and Seabron quickly hit a layup following the break.

Trailing 86-85, Nebraska inbounded the ball with 4.6 seconds remaining and McGowens was fouled in the backcourt with 2.5 seconds on the clock. Despite being in the second overtime, Nebraska was still only in a 1-and-1 and McGowens made the first before NC State called a timeout. His second free throw after the timeout rolled out and a desperation heave from the Wolfpack hit the back iron, sending the game to a third overtime.

Nebraska scored the first four points of the third overtime on baskets from McGowens and C.J. Wilcher. Seabron then drew another foul and made two free throws to pull the Wolfpack within one with three minutes left. After a missed shot by Nebraska, Tominaga drew a charge on Seabron and Wilhelm Breidenbach hit a layup off an assist from Walker.

On the next possession, Nebraska appeared to force a jump ball with the possession arrow in the Huskers' favor, but a late foul call came in, sending Breidenbach to the bench with five fouls and NC State's Thomas Allen to the line, who knocked down two free throws to trim the lead to two. Neither team scored again until an Ebenezer Dowuona layup with five seconds remaining tied the game at 92-all. Each team had a shot in the closing seconds to win it, but neither connected.

In the fourth overtime, NC State knocked down a 3-pointer just 19 seconds into the period, and the Wolfpack scored six of the first eight points in the period. Nebraska trailed 98-95 following a Verge free and the Huskers cut the lead to three on two more occasions but could get no closer.

Nebraska is next in action on Saturday, when the Huskers open their Big Ten Conference schedule with a road matchup at Indiana.

Tonight was the second four-overtime game in program history and the first since Dec. 22, 1979 vs. UAB

Nebraska had a pair of players (Alonzo Verge Jr.-25 and Bryce McGowens-24) go over 20 points for the third time this season.

McGowens put up his fourth 20-point game of the season, which is fourth all-time among NU freshmen.

Nebraska had two players with double-doubles (Verge and Derrick Walker Jr.), the first time that has occurred since Dec. 17, 2020 vs. Doane.

It was Verge's third double-double of the season and the first of Walker's career.

Walker posted his first career double-double with 12 points and a career high 10 rebounds. His previous high was nine against Minnesota last season. Walker also tied his career high with three blocked shots.

 Walker went 5-8 from the field and is now 30-of-35 from the field in his last five games

Keisei Tominaga has reached double figures in four of his last five games following his 16-point effort tonight.

Nebraska falls to 5-6 all-time in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge

By NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men's basketball team had numerous chances to pick up a road win Wednesday night at NC State, but the Wolfpack rallied on multiple occasions en route to a 104-100 quadruple-overtime win at PNC Arena.The Huskers (5-3) led by 14 with less than 10 minutes to play in regulation but gave up a game-tying 14-0 run to the Wolfpack. NU also led by one with 16 seconds remaining in regulation and was denied a chance to win as Alonzo Verge Jr. missed a potential game-winning shot as time expired on an attempt where it appeared he was hit on the arm.After missing a chance to win in the closing seconds of regulation, Nebraska missed another potential game-winning shot in the first overtime. Then in the second overtime, Bryce McGowens went to the line with 2.5 seconds left and the Huskers trailing by one. McGowens calmly sank the first free throw but following an NC State timeout, his second free throw rimmed out. In the third overtime, Nebraska led by two until NC State tied the game with five seconds remaining.NC State, which overcame a deficit in the final 20 seconds of regulation, the last 10 seconds of the first overtime, the final 50 seconds of the second overtime and the last 10 seconds of the third overtime, never trailed in the fourth overtime. The Wolfpack outscored the Huskers 12-8 in the final period to improve to 6-1 on the season.Nebraska made seven more field goals than NC State – including three more 3-pointers – while shooting 42 percent compared to 37 percent by the Wolfpack. But in a matchup where both teams entered the game averaging 24 free throws per game, NC State shot 27 more free throws than the Huskers, going 32-of-42 at the line to outscore Nebraska (11-of-15) by 21 at the charity stripe.Verge paced four Huskers in double figures. He posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds and narrowly missed out on a triple-double after dishing out eight assists. Derrick Walker Jr. also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. McGowens added 24 points and nine rebounds, while Keisei Tominaga hit five 3-pointers and scored 16 points.Dereon Seabron led NC State with 39 points and 18 rebounds. Seabron was 17-of-20 from the free throw line, taking more free throws than the entire Husker team combined. He scored 17 of his 39 points in the overtime periods, including a game-tying free throw with five seconds remaining in regulation, another game-tying free throw with six seconds left in the first overtime and a go-ahead basket with four seconds remaining in the third overtime.Nebraska led by one at the half, using strong shooting to overcome 11 first-half turnovers. The Huskers shot 57 percent from the field in the half, including 13-of-17 from inside the arc, leading to a 24-12 advantage in the paint. Nebraska also out-rebounded NC State by four in the first half, and the Husker defense held the Wolfpack to 36 percent shooting.Walker opened the scoring with the game's first basket on Nebraska's opening possession, but NC State scored the next eight points to race to an early six-point lead. Nebraska pulled to within one at 13-12 on a Tominaga 3-pointer but a 10-2 run gave the Wolfpack a 23-14 lead halfway through the period.After the teams traded layups, McGowens scored seven points during an 11-3 Husker run that tied the game at 27 with six minutes left in the half. Nebraska grabbed the lead one minute later when Tominaga converted on a four-point play. NU led by as many as four then briefly fell behind before Verge hit a pair of free throws to send the Huskers into the locker room with a 39-38 lead.Verge had 12 points in the first half, including all six Husker points in the final 3:25. He knocked down 5-of-7 shots and added five rebounds and four assists. McGowens and Tominaga each had seven first-half points for the Big Red.Nebraska opened the second half with an 8-2 run, including five straight points by Lat Mayen. The Huskers hit a pair of 3-pointers during the run and another three from Tominaga – NU's third 3-pointer in three minutes – gave Nebraska seven-point advantage at the under-16 media timeout.Following an NC State basket, Nebraska scored seven straight points to stretch the lead to 57-44 with less than 12 minutes to play. The Husker defense held the Wolfpack scoreless for more than four minutes during the run, forcing seven consecutive missed shots.Nebraska built its largest lead at 61-47 with 9:51 remaining before NC State made its surge. The Wolfpack needed less than four minutes to regain the lead, using a 14-0 run to tie the game. A skirmish following Jerico Hellems' game-tying 3-pointer resulted in a double technical and ejections for both teams.After a lengthy delay, McGowens snapped the run with a driving layup to break the tie. NC State scored the next three points to grab its first lead of the second half, but Tominaga answered with a 3-pointer and Verge was credited with a basket on a goaltending call to give the Huskers a 68-65 lead with 3:44 to play.But Verge's basket was the last points Nebraska would score for more than three minutes. With the Huskers struggling to score, Seabron hit a pair of baskets nearly two minutes apart to give NC State a one-point lead with two minutes remaining. Neither team scored again until Verge connected on a driving layup with 16.6 seconds remaining to give Nebraska a 70-69 lead. Seabron – who scored the final eight points of regulation for the Wolfpack – was then fouled and connected on 1-of-2 free throws with 7.2 seconds left to tie the game. Verge then drew contact on his potential game-winning shot as time expired but did not get the call and his shot missed.The first overtime period was scoreless until the final minute. Nebraska missed its first seven shots before Walker scored in the paint to give Nebraska a 72-70 lead. NC State answered with a game-tying basket 14 seconds later, but Verge hit a floater in the lane to give Nebraska a 74-72 lead. Seabron then found himself back at the line, and he knocked down both free throws to tie the game with 16.4 seconds left. Verge had another chance to win it in the closing seconds, but his jumper missed.NC State scored a basket just 16 seconds into the second overtime period but Nebraska answered with seven straight points. McGowens started the run with a tough basket, Tominaga added his fifth 3-pointer of the game and McGowens knocked down a pair of free throws to give Nebraska an 81-76 lead.But on the ensuing possession, Nebraska fouled Hellems on a 3-point attempt and he knocked down two of his three free throws to trim the Husker lead to three with two minutes to play. Verge and Seabron then traded baskets before Walker and Seabron each made a pair of free throws, keeping the lead at three with one minute remaining. A fast-break basket layup pulled the Wolfpack to within one and Nebraska could not score on its next possession. Down by one, the Wolfpack called a timeout with 10.6 seconds left and Seabron quickly hit a layup following the break.Trailing 86-85, Nebraska inbounded the ball with 4.6 seconds remaining and McGowens was fouled in the backcourt with 2.5 seconds on the clock. Despite being in the second overtime, Nebraska was still only in a 1-and-1 and McGowens made the first before NC State called a timeout. His second free throw after the timeout rolled out and a desperation heave from the Wolfpack hit the back iron, sending the game to a third overtime.Nebraska scored the first four points of the third overtime on baskets from McGowens and C.J. Wilcher. Seabron then drew another foul and made two free throws to pull the Wolfpack within one with three minutes left. After a missed shot by Nebraska, Tominaga drew a charge on Seabron and Wilhelm Breidenbach hit a layup off an assist from Walker.On the next possession, Nebraska appeared to force a jump ball with the possession arrow in the Huskers' favor, but a late foul call came in, sending Breidenbach to the bench with five fouls and NC State's Thomas Allen to the line, who knocked down two free throws to trim the lead to two. Neither team scored again until an Ebenezer Dowuona layup with five seconds remaining tied the game at 92-all. Each team had a shot in the closing seconds to win it, but neither connected.In the fourth overtime, NC State knocked down a 3-pointer just 19 seconds into the period, and the Wolfpack scored six of the first eight points in the period. Nebraska trailed 98-95 following a Verge free and the Huskers cut the lead to three on two more occasions but could get no closer.Nebraska is next in action on Saturday, when the Huskers open their Big Ten Conference schedule with a road matchup at Indiana.Nebraska Postgame NotesTonight was the second four-overtime game in program history and the first since Dec. 22, 1979 vs. UABNebraska had a pair of players (Alonzo Verge Jr.-25 and Bryce McGowens-24) go over 20 points for the third time this season.McGowens put up his fourth 20-point game of the season, which is fourth all-time among NU freshmen.Nebraska had two players with double-doubles (Verge and Derrick Walker Jr.), the first time that has occurred since Dec. 17, 2020 vs. Doane.It was Verge's third double-double of the season and the first of Walker's career.Walker posted his first career double-double with 12 points and a career high 10 rebounds. His previous high was nine against Minnesota last season. Walker also tied his career high with three blocked shots. Walker went 5-8 from the field and is now 30-of-35 from the field in his last five gamesKeisei Tominaga has reached double figures in four of his last five games following his 16-point effort tonight.Nebraska falls to 5-6 all-time in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge