Story by NU Athletic Communications

Kelli Ann Strand carded a 70 (-2) in the final round to tie for 15th in a loaded 96-player field at the Landfall Tradition in Wilmington, N.C., on Sunday.

The sophomore from Challis, Idaho, closed the three-day tournament at 213 (-3) after rounds of 72, 71 and 70. Her final round included three birdies, 14 pars and just one bogey.

Junior Lena Hassert added a strong final round with a 71 (-1), while Miu Takahashi and Michaela Vavrova both recorded 74s to help the Huskers to their best round of the tournament at 289 (+1). As a team, the Huskers tied for 14th at 880 (+16) in an 18-team field that featured 16 top-100 teams.

No. 19 Duke won the team title by tiebreaker over No. 16 Clemson, as both teams finished the 54-hole tournament at 843 (-21) on the par-72, 6,194-yard layout at the Country Club of Landfall. No. 14 UCF ended one shot back in third place at 844 (-20).

Furman's Anna Morgan took home the individual title by leading from start to finish. Morgan's final-round 69 (-3), followed rounds of 67 and 66 to put her at 202 (-14), five strokes ahead of Taylor Kehoe from Alabama and Clemson's Annabelle Pancake who tied for runner-up at 207 (-9). Kehoe closed the tournament with a final-round 64 (-8).&nbsp;

The Huskers will return to action to open the spring season at the UCF Challenge (Feb. 4-6) in Orlando, Fla.

Landfall TraditionOct. 27-29, 2023Country Club of Landfall (Wilmington, N.C.)Par 72, 6,194 Yards

Final Team StandingsT1. (19) Duke - 286-286-271=843 (-21)T1. (16) Clemson - 285-286-272=843 (-21)3. (14) UCF - 284-286-274=844 (-20)4. (25) Arizona - 288-280-287=855 (-9)5. (35) Alabama - 291-288-287=856 (-8)6. (29) Michigan State - 279-291-287=857 (-7)7. (47) Tennessee - 290-279-289=858 (-6)8. (38) Virginia Tech - 292-286-284=862 (-2)9. (56) Furman - 297-285-283=865 (+1)10. (75) Illinois - 285-290-297=872 (+8)T11. (33) Maryland - 305-287-282=874 (+10)T11 (30) SMU - 292-297-285=874 (+10)13. (13) Purdue - 294-295-288=877 (+13)T14. (59) Nebraska - 293-298-289=880 (+16)T14. (93) East Carolina - 299-288-293=880 (+16)16. Penn State - 294-291-301=886 (+22)17. UNC Wilmington - 299-299-290=888 (+24)18. (58) NC State - 297-300-292=889 (+25)

Final Individual Standings1. Anna Morgan, Furman - 67-66-69=202 (-14)T2. Taylor Kehoe, Alabama - 72-71-64=207 (-9)T2. Annabelle Pancake, Clemson - 70-71-66=207 (-9)4. Isabel Sy, Illinois - 69-73-66=208 (-8)T5. Anne Chen, Duke - 74-71-64=209 (-7)T5. Phoebe Brinker, Duke - 71-70-68=209 (-7)T7. Chloe Holder, Clemson - 76-71-63=210 (-6)T7. Paula Balanzategui, Michigan State - 68-71-71=210 (-6)T9. Isabel Amezcua, NC State - 75-71-65=211 (-5)T9. Tunrada Piddon, UCF - 70-76-65=211 (-5)T9. Pimpisa Sisutham, UCF - 69-72-70=211 (-5)T9. Erica Lee, Illinois - 70-70-71=211 (-5)

Nebraska IndividualsT15. Kelli Ann Strand - 72-71-70=213 (-3)T54. Miu Takahashi - 72-74-74=220 (+4)T64. Arden Louchheim - 75-73-76=224 (+8)T77. Lena Hassert - 75-82-71=228 (+12)T77. Michaela Vavrova - 74-80-74=228 (+12)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsKelli Ann Strand carded a 70 (-2) in the final round to tie for 15th in a loaded 96-player field at the Landfall Tradition in Wilmington, N.C., on Sunday.The sophomore from Challis, Idaho, closed the three-day tournament at 213 (-3) after rounds of 72, 71 and 70. Her final round included three birdies, 14 pars and just one bogey.Junior Lena Hassert added a strong final round with a 71 (-1), while Miu Takahashi and Michaela Vavrova both recorded 74s to help the Huskers to their best round of the tournament at 289 (+1). As a team, the Huskers tied for 14th at 880 (+16) in an 18-team field that featured 16 top-100 teams.No. 19 Duke won the team title by tiebreaker over No. 16 Clemson, as both teams finished the 54-hole tournament at 843 (-21) on the par-72, 6,194-yard layout at the Country Club of Landfall. No. 14 UCF ended one shot back in third place at 844 (-20).Furman's Anna Morgan took home the individual title by leading from start to finish. Morgan's final-round 69 (-3), followed rounds of 67 and 66 to put her at 202 (-14), five strokes ahead of Taylor Kehoe from Alabama and Clemson's Annabelle Pancake who tied for runner-up at 207 (-9). Kehoe closed the tournament with a final-round 64 (-8).&nbsp;The Huskers will return to action to open the spring season at the UCF Challenge (Feb. 4-6) in Orlando, Fla.Landfall TraditionOct. 27-29, 2023Country Club of Landfall (Wilmington, N.C.)Par 72, 6,194 YardsFinal Team StandingsT1. (19) Duke - 286-286-271=843 (-21)T1. (16) Clemson - 285-286-272=843 (-21)3. (14) UCF - 284-286-274=844 (-20)4. (25) Arizona - 288-280-287=855 (-9)5. (35) Alabama - 291-288-287=856 (-8)6. (29) Michigan State - 279-291-287=857 (-7)7. (47) Tennessee - 290-279-289=858 (-6)8. (38) Virginia Tech - 292-286-284=862 (-2)9. (56) Furman - 297-285-283=865 (+1)10. (75) Illinois - 285-290-297=872 (+8)T11. (33) Maryland - 305-287-282=874 (+10)T11 (30) SMU - 292-297-285=874 (+10)13. (13) Purdue - 294-295-288=877 (+13)T14. (59) Nebraska - 293-298-289=880 (+16)T14. (93) East Carolina - 299-288-293=880 (+16)16. Penn State - 294-291-301=886 (+22)17. UNC Wilmington - 299-299-290=888 (+24)18. (58) NC State - 297-300-292=889 (+25)Final Individual Standings1. Anna Morgan, Furman - 67-66-69=202 (-14)T2. Taylor Kehoe, Alabama - 72-71-64=207 (-9)T2. Annabelle Pancake, Clemson - 70-71-66=207 (-9)4. Isabel Sy, Illinois - 69-73-66=208 (-8)T5. Anne Chen, Duke - 74-71-64=209 (-7)T5. Phoebe Brinker, Duke - 71-70-68=209 (-7)T7. Chloe Holder, Clemson - 76-71-63=210 (-6)T7. Paula Balanzategui, Michigan State - 68-71-71=210 (-6)T9. Isabel Amezcua, NC State - 75-71-65=211 (-5)T9. Tunrada Piddon, UCF - 70-76-65=211 (-5)T9. Pimpisa Sisutham, UCF - 69-72-70=211 (-5)T9. Erica Lee, Illinois - 70-70-71=211 (-5)Nebraska IndividualsT15. Kelli Ann Strand - 72-71-70=213 (-3)T54. Miu Takahashi - 72-74-74=220 (+4)T64. Arden Louchheim - 75-73-76=224 (+8)T77. Lena Hassert - 75-82-71=228 (+12)T77. Michaela Vavrova - 74-80-74=228 (+12)

Strand takes top-15 finish at Landfall Tradition

Coach Rhule's postgame press conference after victory over Purdue

Nebraska's Blackshirts produced another dominant performance powering Nebraska to a 31-14 win over Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

With its third consecutive victory, Nebraska improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten while the Boilermakers fell to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the conference.&nbsp;

The Blackshirts helped Nebraska build a 24-0 lead into the fourth quarter, before Purdue was able to capitalize on a pair of late turnovers to cut the lead to 24-14.&nbsp;

But Heinrich Haarberg, Emmett Johnson and the Nebraska offense mustered a game-sealing touchdown late in the fourth before defensive back Tommi Hill put the finishing touches on a big day with his second interception of the game with just under two minutes left.

Haarberg, who improved to 5-1 as a starter, finished the day 6-of-11 passing for 122 yards with two touchdown passes, while adding 57 rushing yards on 19 carries.

Johnson added 13 carries for a game-high 76 rushing yards and the only rushing touchdown of the game. Josh Fleeks and Anthony Grant each contributed 21 rushing yards, as the Huskers finished with 155 yards on 48 carries.

The defense held Purdue under 200 total yards, including 96 rushing yards on 29 carries, while limiting the Boilermakers to 99 yards on 17-of-33 passing with two interceptions. The first time since holding Michigan to less than 100 yards rushing and 100 yards passing in 2012.

The Blackshirts flexed their muscles from the start, despite starting the game deep in their own territory after the Huskers fumbled the opening kickoff.

Purdue started its first drive at the NU 32, but the Blackshirts pushed the Boilers back and forced a turnover on downs after five-play drive of minus-1 yard.

After a scoreless first quarter, Haarberg and the Huskers found their footing with a methodical 15-play, 87-yard drive that started with 4:37 left in the first quarter and ended with Haarberg's one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Thomas Fidone with 10:43 left in the second quarter to give Nebraska a 7-0 lead. Fidone's fourth touchdown grab of the season capped Nebraska's longest drive of the season in plays, yardage and time (8:52).

The Blackshirts made quick work of Purdue's ensuing drive, as Hill grabbed his first interception of the game and returned it six yards to the Nebraska 27.

One play later, the Huskers went up 14-0 with Haarberg's 73-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd. It was Lloyd's first career touchdown.

The Husker defense shut down the Boilermakers the rest of the half to take a 14-0 lead to the locker room.

The Blackshirts forced a three-and-out on Purdue's drive to open the second half, but the Husker offense turned it over on Nebraska's first offensive play of the third quarter.

The Boilers took over at the NU 13, but the Blackshirts pushed them back to then NU 20, before Elijah Jeudy blocked Ben Freehill's 37-yard field goal attempt. Quinton Newsome scooped it up and raced 68 yards untouched into the end zone to put the Huskers in front 21-0 less than three minutes into the half. It was Nebraska's first blocked field goal for a touchdown since Nathan Gerry accomplished the feat against Minnesota in 2014.

Nebraska extended the margin to 24-0 with 12:23 left in the game on freshman Tristan Alvano's career-long 55-yard field goal.

The Blackshirts continued to play great defense, but another Nebraska turnover set Purdue up at the Husker 24. The Boilermakers finally converted with Hudson Card's 29-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Veal with 9:08 left.

Less than three minutes later, Purdue's Kydran Jenkins forced another fumble on 4th down-and-1, picked it up and ran 55 yards to paydirt to cut the margin to 24-14 with 6:24 remaining.

Johnson then ended any of Purdue's comeback hopes with his 28-yard touchdown run to cap a six-play, 48-yard drive to make it 31-14 with 3:54 left.

Nebraska won the time of possession battle 33:10-26:50, and committed fewer penalties (6-49) than Purdue (8-84).

Isaac Gifford led the Blackshirts with 10 tackles including a pair of TFLs and a breakup, while John Bullock added seven stops. Phalen Sanford pitched in six tackles, while Newsome contributed five tackles.

The Huskers return to Big Ten road action next week when they travel to Michigan State. Kickoff in East Lansing is set for 11 a.m. (CT) with live television coverage on FS1.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska's Blackshirts produced another dominant performance powering Nebraska to a 31-14 win over Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.With its third consecutive victory, Nebraska improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten while the Boilermakers fell to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the conference.&nbsp;The Blackshirts helped Nebraska build a 24-0 lead into the fourth quarter, before Purdue was able to capitalize on a pair of late turnovers to cut the lead to 24-14.&nbsp;But Heinrich Haarberg, Emmett Johnson and the Nebraska offense mustered a game-sealing touchdown late in the fourth before defensive back Tommi Hill put the finishing touches on a big day with his second interception of the game with just under two minutes left.Haarberg, who improved to 5-1 as a starter, finished the day 6-of-11 passing for 122 yards with two touchdown passes, while adding 57 rushing yards on 19 carries.Johnson added 13 carries for a game-high 76 rushing yards and the only rushing touchdown of the game. Josh Fleeks and Anthony Grant each contributed 21 rushing yards, as the Huskers finished with 155 yards on 48 carries.The defense held Purdue under 200 total yards, including 96 rushing yards on 29 carries, while limiting the Boilermakers to 99 yards on 17-of-33 passing with two interceptions. The first time since holding Michigan to less than 100 yards rushing and 100 yards passing in 2012.The Blackshirts flexed their muscles from the start, despite starting the game deep in their own territory after the Huskers fumbled the opening kickoff.Purdue started its first drive at the NU 32, but the Blackshirts pushed the Boilers back and forced a turnover on downs after five-play drive of minus-1 yard.After a scoreless first quarter, Haarberg and the Huskers found their footing with a methodical 15-play, 87-yard drive that started with 4:37 left in the first quarter and ended with Haarberg's one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Thomas Fidone with 10:43 left in the second quarter to give Nebraska a 7-0 lead. Fidone's fourth touchdown grab of the season capped Nebraska's longest drive of the season in plays, yardage and time (8:52).The Blackshirts made quick work of Purdue's ensuing drive, as Hill grabbed his first interception of the game and returned it six yards to the Nebraska 27.One play later, the Huskers went up 14-0 with Haarberg's 73-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd. It was Lloyd's first career touchdown.The Husker defense shut down the Boilermakers the rest of the half to take a 14-0 lead to the locker room.The Blackshirts forced a three-and-out on Purdue's drive to open the second half, but the Husker offense turned it over on Nebraska's first offensive play of the third quarter.The Boilers took over at the NU 13, but the Blackshirts pushed them back to then NU 20, before Elijah Jeudy blocked Ben Freehill's 37-yard field goal attempt. Quinton Newsome scooped it up and raced 68 yards untouched into the end zone to put the Huskers in front 21-0 less than three minutes into the half. It was Nebraska's first blocked field goal for a touchdown since Nathan Gerry accomplished the feat against Minnesota in 2014.Nebraska extended the margin to 24-0 with 12:23 left in the game on freshman Tristan Alvano's career-long 55-yard field goal.The Blackshirts continued to play great defense, but another Nebraska turnover set Purdue up at the Husker 24. The Boilermakers finally converted with Hudson Card's 29-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Veal with 9:08 left.Less than three minutes later, Purdue's Kydran Jenkins forced another fumble on 4th down-and-1, picked it up and ran 55 yards to paydirt to cut the margin to 24-14 with 6:24 remaining.Johnson then ended any of Purdue's comeback hopes with his 28-yard touchdown run to cap a six-play, 48-yard drive to make it 31-14 with 3:54 left.Nebraska won the time of possession battle 33:10-26:50, and committed fewer penalties (6-49) than Purdue (8-84).Isaac Gifford led the Blackshirts with 10 tackles including a pair of TFLs and a breakup, while John Bullock added seven stops. Phalen Sanford pitched in six tackles, while Newsome contributed five tackles.The Huskers return to Big Ten road action next week when they travel to Michigan State. Kickoff in East Lansing is set for 11 a.m. (CT) with live television coverage on FS1.

Big red beats Boilermakers

Coach Hoiberg's press conference after first exhibition match of the year

Coach Cook's post game press conference after 2 weekend victories

GRANT, NEB. - The Perkins County Plainsmen concluded there season this past weekend after falling to Cross County 58-6 in the 2nd round of the NSAA D-1 playoffs. The Plainsmen finished there season with a 7-3 record. Plainsmen's senior Henry Taylor joined the Kwik Stop halftime report during Friday's contest. This was Taylor's conversation during the halftime report.

Sandhills PostGRANT, NEB. - The Perkins County Plainsmen concluded there season this past weekend after falling to Cross County 58-6 in the 2nd round of the NSAA D-1 playoffs. The Plainsmen finished there season with a 7-3 record. Plainsmen's senior Henry Taylor joined the Kwik Stop halftime report during Friday's contest. This was Taylor's conversation during the halftime report.<div><iframe title="(Audio) Perkins County Senior football player Henry Taylor" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rztr2-14e529f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Perkins County Senior football player Henry Taylor

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698674184881.png" alt="2023 NSAA STATE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKETS" />
 <figcaption>2023 NSAA STATE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKETS</figcaption>
 </figure>

2023 NSAA STATE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKETS

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 26 saves in his first career shutout and JJ Peterka, Casey Mittelstadt, Tyson Jost, and Rasmus Dahlin scored for the Buffalo Sabres in a 4-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.

Colorado closed a three-game trip with consecutive shutout losses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-avalanche-pittsburgh-penguins-nhl-7f148015e65edd21a7059f5d3d126712">ending a record NHL streak</a>&nbsp;of 15 wins in a row on the road.

Luukkonen was Buffalo’s third goaltender to start the season, but has been thrust into action because of injuries to Devon Levi and Eric Comrie.

“It’s really a confidence booster for me and I’ve been waiting for a long time,” said Luukkonen, who won for the second time in three starts.

The victory was the Sabres’ most decisive so far in starting the season 4-5-0.

“That’s a good measuring stick for us,” said defenseman Erik Johnson, who signed with Buffalo after playing the past 13 seasons in Colorado. “That’s a team that knows how to win, that’s won, and it’s one of the top teams in the league.”

Colorado’s All-Star defenseman Cale Makar returned to the game after&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1718698576765677933">sliding into the end boards</a>&nbsp;and going to the dressing room during the second period.

Makar’s right knee was bent under his body during the collision, which came after Makar lost his balance skating toward the net and was pushed from behind by Sabres forward Kyle Okposo.

“I think a lot of it’s on me, just going back slow, no effort,” Makar said. “I tried to take a stride in front and I don’t know if I caught myself or what happened but the next thing I knew I was just sliding into the boards.”

Makar was down on the ice for a few minutes and needed a trainer’s assistance in skating toward the bench. There was no penalty on the play, which frustrated the Avalanche.

“You see one of those every once in a while, and it’s a bad spot,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “Both guys skate toward the end boards, it looks to me like he gets him on the hips just above the goal line, which you’re going straight in with two guys. I just don’t think you can hit him there. So I don’t love it. I just think it’s a dangerous play.”

Colorado’s All-Star center Nathan MacKinnon received two-minute unsportsmanlike and 10-minute misconduct penalties soon after for voicing his displeasure toward the officials.

Alexandar Georgiev stopped 25 shots in his second loss for Colorado. Georgiev tied an NHL record with 12 consecutive road victories going into Thursday night’s 4-0 loss in Pittsburgh.

Jeff Skinner had two assists for Buffalo, matching Dahlin for the team lead with nine points. Skinner set up Peterka’s goal midway through the first period, and Mittelstadt’s goal in the opening minutes of the second.

Jost scored his first goal of the season — and first in four games against his former team — giving the Sabres a 3-0 lead at 8:16 into the second period.

Dahlin extended his point streak to eight games when the All-Star defenseman scored on an empty net with 3:08 remaining in the third.

The Avalanche were shut out in consecutive games for the first time since December 2016, the season before drafting Makar with the fourth pick.

Avalanche: Host St. Louis on Wednesday night.

Sabres: Visit Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

Story by the AP NewsUkko-Pekka Luukkonen made 26 saves in his first career shutout and JJ Peterka, Casey Mittelstadt, Tyson Jost, and Rasmus Dahlin scored for the Buffalo Sabres in a 4-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.Colorado closed a three-game trip with consecutive shutout losses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-avalanche-pittsburgh-penguins-nhl-7f148015e65edd21a7059f5d3d126712">ending a record NHL streak</a>&nbsp;of 15 wins in a row on the road.Luukkonen was Buffalo’s third goaltender to start the season, but has been thrust into action because of injuries to Devon Levi and Eric Comrie.“It’s really a confidence booster for me and I’ve been waiting for a long time,” said Luukkonen, who won for the second time in three starts.The victory was the Sabres’ most decisive so far in starting the season 4-5-0.“That’s a good measuring stick for us,” said defenseman Erik Johnson, who signed with Buffalo after playing the past 13 seasons in Colorado. “That’s a team that knows how to win, that’s won, and it’s one of the top teams in the league.”Colorado’s All-Star defenseman Cale Makar returned to the game after&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1718698576765677933">sliding into the end boards</a>&nbsp;and going to the dressing room during the second period.Makar’s right knee was bent under his body during the collision, which came after Makar lost his balance skating toward the net and was pushed from behind by Sabres forward Kyle Okposo.“I think a lot of it’s on me, just going back slow, no effort,” Makar said. “I tried to take a stride in front and I don’t know if I caught myself or what happened but the next thing I knew I was just sliding into the boards.”Makar was down on the ice for a few minutes and needed a trainer’s assistance in skating toward the bench. There was no penalty on the play, which frustrated the Avalanche.“You see one of those every once in a while, and it’s a bad spot,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “Both guys skate toward the end boards, it looks to me like he gets him on the hips just above the goal line, which you’re going straight in with two guys. I just don’t think you can hit him there. So I don’t love it. I just think it’s a dangerous play.”Colorado’s All-Star center Nathan MacKinnon received two-minute unsportsmanlike and 10-minute misconduct penalties soon after for voicing his displeasure toward the officials.Alexandar Georgiev stopped 25 shots in his second loss for Colorado. Georgiev tied an NHL record with 12 consecutive road victories going into Thursday night’s 4-0 loss in Pittsburgh.Jeff Skinner had two assists for Buffalo, matching Dahlin for the team lead with nine points. Skinner set up Peterka’s goal midway through the first period, and Mittelstadt’s goal in the opening minutes of the second.Jost scored his first goal of the season — and first in four games against his former team — giving the Sabres a 3-0 lead at 8:16 into the second period.Dahlin extended his point streak to eight games when the All-Star defenseman scored on an empty net with 3:08 remaining in the third.The Avalanche were shut out in consecutive games for the first time since December 2016, the season before drafting Makar with the fourth pick.UP NEXTAvalanche: Host St. Louis on Wednesday night.Sabres: Visit Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

Luukkonen gets 1st career shutout as Sabres beat Avalanche 4-0

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a young, talented team on the rise. The defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets showed them just how much work they have ahead to reach that elite level.

Nikola Jokic had 28 points and 14 rebounds to help the Nuggets roll past the Thunder 128-95 on Sunday for their third straight win to open the season.

“They’re defending champs, and they’re not that by fluke,” Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “They play the right way on both ends of the floor and they are a really good basketball team. They came to play tonight. We weren’t good enough to compete against them.”

Michael Porter Jr. had 20 points and nine rebounds and Jamal Murray added 19 points and eight assists for the Nuggets, who shot 60.2% from the field.

Denver coach Michael Malone liked the energy the Nuggets brought.

“Winning a championship, the one thing you worry about is thinking we can just show up this year and we’re going to win,” he said. “And that’s not the case. This is a brand new season. What we did last year, although magical in nature, has nothing to do with this season. And I think our players, the way they’re playing — it’s very early — but after three games, our guys are playing with the requisite mindset that you need to if you’re going to be a team that can try to win another championship.”

Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, but he missed last season with a foot injury. He got a loud cheer when he was introduced with the starters in his first regular-season home game and delivered a team-leading 19 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander, a first-team All-NBA selection last season, scored just seven points on 2-for-16 shooting. Denver's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was assigned to guard him.

“You’ve got to credit guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who I think is an all-NBA defender," Malone said. "You know, we asked him to guard the best players 82 regular season games and 20 playoff games last year and he’s totally committed to that. He understands that that’s his greatest gift to this basketball team.”

The Nuggets held the Thunder to 41.1% shooting overall.

“We know that we have to be a team that can travel, beat the best teams in the NBA on the road,” Malone said. “And to do that, you have to bring the defense. And I felt our defense tonight was outstanding across the board.”

Oklahoma City opened the season with road wins over Chicago and Cleveland and could have made an early statement with a win over Denver.

Jokic made sure that didn't happen. The two-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP dominated the first half. He had 22 points, including a layup at the buzzer, to give Denver a 69-51 edge at the break.

Holmgren scored 17 points in the first half. Gilgeous-Alexander went 0 for 9 from the field and had three points before the break.

Thunder: Host the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

By CLIFF BRUNT AP Sports WriterThe Oklahoma City Thunder are a young, talented team on the rise. The defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets showed them just how much work they have ahead to reach that elite level.Nikola Jokic had 28 points and 14 rebounds to help the Nuggets roll past the Thunder 128-95 on Sunday for their third straight win to open the season.“They’re defending champs, and they’re not that by fluke,” Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “They play the right way on both ends of the floor and they are a really good basketball team. They came to play tonight. We weren’t good enough to compete against them.”Michael Porter Jr. had 20 points and nine rebounds and Jamal Murray added 19 points and eight assists for the Nuggets, who shot 60.2% from the field.Denver coach Michael Malone liked the energy the Nuggets brought.“Winning a championship, the one thing you worry about is thinking we can just show up this year and we’re going to win,” he said. “And that’s not the case. This is a brand new season. What we did last year, although magical in nature, has nothing to do with this season. And I think our players, the way they’re playing — it’s very early — but after three games, our guys are playing with the requisite mindset that you need to if you’re going to be a team that can try to win another championship.”Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, but he missed last season with a foot injury. He got a loud cheer when he was introduced with the starters in his first regular-season home game and delivered a team-leading 19 points.Gilgeous-Alexander, a first-team All-NBA selection last season, scored just seven points on 2-for-16 shooting. Denver's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was assigned to guard him.“You’ve got to credit guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who I think is an all-NBA defender," Malone said. "You know, we asked him to guard the best players 82 regular season games and 20 playoff games last year and he’s totally committed to that. He understands that that’s his greatest gift to this basketball team.”The Nuggets held the Thunder to 41.1% shooting overall.“We know that we have to be a team that can travel, beat the best teams in the NBA on the road,” Malone said. “And to do that, you have to bring the defense. And I felt our defense tonight was outstanding across the board.”Oklahoma City opened the season with road wins over Chicago and Cleveland and could have made an early statement with a win over Denver.Jokic made sure that didn't happen. The two-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP dominated the first half. He had 22 points, including a layup at the buzzer, to give Denver a 69-51 edge at the break.Holmgren scored 17 points in the first half. Gilgeous-Alexander went 0 for 9 from the field and had three points before the break.UP NEXTNuggets: Host the Utah Jazz on Monday.Thunder: Host the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

Jokic's 28 points lead Nuggets past Thunder 128-95 in Holmgren's 1st regular-season home game

Justin Simmons never paid much attention to the Broncos' long losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs or the way Patrick Mahomes had owned them ever since winning in Denver in his first NFL start back in 2017.

Simmons won't have to address — or ignore — either point again after the Broncos throttled the defending Super Bowl champs 24-9 on a frigid Sunday afternoon.

“It just felt so good to win,” Simmons said after the Broncos (3-5) ended their 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs (6-2) by dominating every facet against a team that hadn’t lost to Denver since Week 2 of the 2015 season.

It was Mahomes' first loss to Denver after 12 wins and his first road defeat in the AFC West after winning his first 16 divisional games away from Arrowhead Stadium.

He said the Broncos had a great game plan and executed.

“And we didn’t execute or score any points,” he said.

Mahomes experienced flu-like symptoms, apparently catching a stomach bug from his wife and two young children, who got sick during the week.

“I started feeling bad last night,” said Mahomes, who had a pedestrian day with a 59.2 passer rating, three sacks and two interceptions.

In beating Kansas City for the first time in 2,965 days, the Broncos outplayed the Chiefs in every phase. Afterward, they were serenaded off the field to the sound of Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” blaring throughout Empower Field.

Swift wasn’t on hand to witness&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-travis-kelce-taylor-swift-analysis-nfl-95b2a5cf818b39649c1e6ed49a45d315">Travis Kelce’s six catches for 58 yards</a>&nbsp;or the awful day for the rest of the Chiefs, who posted three field goals, went 0 for 3 in the red zone and turned it over four times on offense to go with a turnover on downs and a muffed punt that Denver recovered.

Simmons recovered a fumble and picked off Mahomes for the sixth time in his career. Those takeaways led to 10 points as the Broncos posted back-to-back wins for the first time in over a year.

Russell Wilson only threw 19 times but three of his dozen completions were in the end zone, to receivers&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1718737837162389547?s=20">Jerry Jeudy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1718763258578862142?s=20">Courtland Sutton</a>&nbsp;and running back&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1718728905295646887?s=20">Javonte Williams</a>, who ran 27 times for 85 yards and caught three passes for 13 yards.

Williams' TD was his first since returning from a devastating left knee injury he suffered in the first month of the 2022 season.

“We believe in who we are,” Wilson said after the Broncos, who came in averaging just 22 carries a game, next-to-last in the league, ran the ball 40 times for 153 yards in controlling the clock and the tempo.

Denver made a 14-9 halftime lead hold up by controlling the clock and keeping Mahomes and Kelce cooling their cleats on the sideline in the second half. Kansas City had just three second-half possessions before getting the ball back for one meaningless snap at the end.

The Broncos blew the game open when rookie linebacker Drew Sanders recovered Mecole Hardman's muffed punt at the Chiefs 10-yard line early in the fourth quarter. Two plays later Wilson hit Sutton in the left corner to make it 21-9, making the Broncos the first opponent to top 20 points against K.C. this season.

Mahomes drove the Chiefs to the Denver 27 but Skyy Moore couldn't bring in a perfectly placed toss in the end zone on fourth down with 7:35 left.

Simmons, who had a fumble recovery in the first half, intercepted Mahomes with about 5 minutes left and the Broncos added a short field goal with 31 seconds remaining.

The Chiefs never trailed by more than 10 points in any of their 16 consecutive wins over Denver — it was the third-longest win streak against one opponent in NFL history — but they fell behind 14-3 early on and never found their footing.

In the first half, Mahomes also was intercepted by cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian and strip-sacked by Baron Browning with Jonathon Cooper recovering the loose ball.

“Patrick Mahomes is a hard quarterback” to sack, said Browning, who had three QB hits to go with his two sacks. “He scrambles. He can move around, stop on a dime, spin around. There was a play early in the game where I thought I had a kill shot, he stopped. He's a playmaker, so it feels good to be able to corral him like a chicken.”

Three weeks ago at Arrowhead, the Chiefs were just 1 for 5 in the red zone but managed to pull off a 19-8 win against the Broncos. On Sunday, they were 0 for 3 inside Denver's 20.

“Yeah, we weren’t down there too much today,” said Mahomes, who was held without a touchdown throw for the first time since Dec. 5, 2021, in a 22-9 win over Denver.

“It's the worst I felt walking out of the stadium,” Mahomes said after losing for the first time in six trips to Denver. "It's a great environment and I actually have a lot of fun playing here. They love the game, they know the game. But it is what it is. They beat us. They were the better football team today and I give them their props.”

Chiefs LB Willie Gay injured his tailbone in the second half.

Chiefs: Face Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany, on Nov. 5.

Broncos: Bye week, return at Buffalo on Nov. 13.

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football WriterJustin Simmons never paid much attention to the Broncos' long losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs or the way Patrick Mahomes had owned them ever since winning in Denver in his first NFL start back in 2017.Simmons won't have to address — or ignore — either point again after the Broncos throttled the defending Super Bowl champs 24-9 on a frigid Sunday afternoon.“It just felt so good to win,” Simmons said after the Broncos (3-5) ended their 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs (6-2) by dominating every facet against a team that hadn’t lost to Denver since Week 2 of the 2015 season.It was Mahomes' first loss to Denver after 12 wins and his first road defeat in the AFC West after winning his first 16 divisional games away from Arrowhead Stadium.He said the Broncos had a great game plan and executed.“And we didn’t execute or score any points,” he said.No touchdowns, at least.Mahomes experienced flu-like symptoms, apparently catching a stomach bug from his wife and two young children, who got sick during the week.“I started feeling bad last night,” said Mahomes, who had a pedestrian day with a 59.2 passer rating, three sacks and two interceptions.In beating Kansas City for the first time in 2,965 days, the Broncos outplayed the Chiefs in every phase. Afterward, they were serenaded off the field to the sound of Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” blaring throughout Empower Field.Swift wasn’t on hand to witness&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-travis-kelce-taylor-swift-analysis-nfl-95b2a5cf818b39649c1e6ed49a45d315">Travis Kelce’s six catches for 58 yards</a>&nbsp;or the awful day for the rest of the Chiefs, who posted three field goals, went 0 for 3 in the red zone and turned it over four times on offense to go with a turnover on downs and a muffed punt that Denver recovered.Simmons recovered a fumble and picked off Mahomes for the sixth time in his career. Those takeaways led to 10 points as the Broncos posted back-to-back wins for the first time in over a year.Russell Wilson only threw 19 times but three of his dozen completions were in the end zone, to receivers&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1718737837162389547?s=20">Jerry Jeudy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1718763258578862142?s=20">Courtland Sutton</a>&nbsp;and running back&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1718728905295646887?s=20">Javonte Williams</a>, who ran 27 times for 85 yards and caught three passes for 13 yards.Williams' TD was his first since returning from a devastating left knee injury he suffered in the first month of the 2022 season.“We believe in who we are,” Wilson said after the Broncos, who came in averaging just 22 carries a game, next-to-last in the league, ran the ball 40 times for 153 yards in controlling the clock and the tempo.Denver made a 14-9 halftime lead hold up by controlling the clock and keeping Mahomes and Kelce cooling their cleats on the sideline in the second half. Kansas City had just three second-half possessions before getting the ball back for one meaningless snap at the end.The Broncos blew the game open when rookie linebacker Drew Sanders recovered Mecole Hardman's muffed punt at the Chiefs 10-yard line early in the fourth quarter. Two plays later Wilson hit Sutton in the left corner to make it 21-9, making the Broncos the first opponent to top 20 points against K.C. this season.Mahomes drove the Chiefs to the Denver 27 but Skyy Moore couldn't bring in a perfectly placed toss in the end zone on fourth down with 7:35 left.Simmons, who had a fumble recovery in the first half, intercepted Mahomes with about 5 minutes left and the Broncos added a short field goal with 31 seconds remaining.The Chiefs never trailed by more than 10 points in any of their 16 consecutive wins over Denver — it was the third-longest win streak against one opponent in NFL history — but they fell behind 14-3 early on and never found their footing.In the first half, Mahomes also was intercepted by cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian and strip-sacked by Baron Browning with Jonathon Cooper recovering the loose ball.“Patrick Mahomes is a hard quarterback” to sack, said Browning, who had three QB hits to go with his two sacks. “He scrambles. He can move around, stop on a dime, spin around. There was a play early in the game where I thought I had a kill shot, he stopped. He's a playmaker, so it feels good to be able to corral him like a chicken.”RED-ZONE RED-FACEDThree weeks ago at Arrowhead, the Chiefs were just 1 for 5 in the red zone but managed to pull off a 19-8 win against the Broncos. On Sunday, they were 0 for 3 inside Denver's 20.“Yeah, we weren’t down there too much today,” said Mahomes, who was held without a touchdown throw for the first time since Dec. 5, 2021, in a 22-9 win over Denver.“It's the worst I felt walking out of the stadium,” Mahomes said after losing for the first time in six trips to Denver. "It's a great environment and I actually have a lot of fun playing here. They love the game, they know the game. But it is what it is. They beat us. They were the better football team today and I give them their props.”INJURIESChiefs LB Willie Gay injured his tailbone in the second half.UP NEXTChiefs: Face Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany, on Nov. 5.Broncos: Bye week, return at Buffalo on Nov. 13.

Wilson, Simmons lead Denver Broncos to first win over Chiefs since 2015 with a 24-9 thrashing

The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept Rutgers 25-22, 25-15, 25-12 in front of a sold-out crowd of 8,692 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday night.&nbsp;

The Huskers improved to 21-0 (12-0 Big Ten). Nebraska's 21 wins without a loss to begin the season is its most since beginning 23-0 in 2006.&nbsp;

Ally Batenhorst tied her season high with 13 kills and hit .545 on the night to lead the Huskers to a .384 hitting percentage. The junior also had four blocks. Merritt Beason totaled 12 kills and hit .409 with three blocks. Andi Jackson finished with eight kills on .357 hitting with six blocks. Harper Murray and Maggie Mendelson had five and four kills, respectively.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly dished out 34 assists, and Lexi Rodriguez led the back row with 13 digs. Nebraska had four service aces - two by Laney Choboy - and was aced only once by Rutgers (10-12, 2-10 Big Ten).&nbsp;

The Huskers outblocked the Scarlet Knights 9.5 to 2 and had 17 more kills (44-27) and nine more digs (33-24).

Set 1: Nebraska turned a 6-5 deficit into an 11-7 lead thanks to kills by Jackson and Murray, an ace by Beason, and a block by Jackson and Murray. But the Huskers committed four service errors in a row to allow Rutgers to stay close at 14-12. The Scarlet Knights tied the set at 17-17, and the teams traded sideouts for seven rallies before a block by Jackson and Batenhorst gave the Huskers a two-point edge, 22-20. After a Rutgers timeout, Rodriguez bump set Beason for a kill and a 23-20 lead, but NU's fifth service error of the set made it 23-21. Batenhorst rose up for her fourth kill of the set to earn set point, 24-21, and Reilly ended the set at 25-22 with a kill.&nbsp;

Set 2: Beason scored six of the Huskers' first seven points via five kills and a block as NU went up 7-3. Jackson and Batenhorst added kills, and Choboy served an ace to make it 10-6. Rutgers fought back to within one, 11-10, but Murray answered with a kill and a solo block, and Beason and Mendelson added a block for a 14-10 advantage. Kills by Batenhorst and Beason added to the lead, and a block by Beason, Jackson and Batenhorst made it 19-12 Big Red. Batenhorst tallied four kills down the stretch as the Huskers pulled away to win 25-15.&nbsp;

Set 3: The Huskers bolted to a 13-2 lead out of the gates. Batenhorst and Jackson sparked the Huskers as Batenhorst had two kills and two blocks and Jackson posted three kills and a block. A kill by Murray and ace by Choboy pushed the lead to 17-4. Nebraska went on to finish the sweep, 25-12.&nbsp;

Up Next: Nebraska is on the road next week, visiting No. 13 Penn State on Friday (7:30 p.m. CT) and Rutgers on Sunday (Noon CT).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698667501394.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept Rutgers 25-22, 25-15, 25-12 in front of a sold-out crowd of 8,692 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday night.&nbsp;The Huskers improved to 21-0 (12-0 Big Ten). Nebraska's 21 wins without a loss to begin the season is its most since beginning 23-0 in 2006.&nbsp;Ally Batenhorst tied her season high with 13 kills and hit .545 on the night to lead the Huskers to a .384 hitting percentage. The junior also had four blocks. Merritt Beason totaled 12 kills and hit .409 with three blocks. Andi Jackson finished with eight kills on .357 hitting with six blocks. Harper Murray and Maggie Mendelson had five and four kills, respectively.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly dished out 34 assists, and Lexi Rodriguez led the back row with 13 digs. Nebraska had four service aces - two by Laney Choboy - and was aced only once by Rutgers (10-12, 2-10 Big Ten).&nbsp;The Huskers outblocked the Scarlet Knights 9.5 to 2 and had 17 more kills (44-27) and nine more digs (33-24).Set 1: Nebraska turned a 6-5 deficit into an 11-7 lead thanks to kills by Jackson and Murray, an ace by Beason, and a block by Jackson and Murray. But the Huskers committed four service errors in a row to allow Rutgers to stay close at 14-12. The Scarlet Knights tied the set at 17-17, and the teams traded sideouts for seven rallies before a block by Jackson and Batenhorst gave the Huskers a two-point edge, 22-20. After a Rutgers timeout, Rodriguez bump set Beason for a kill and a 23-20 lead, but NU's fifth service error of the set made it 23-21. Batenhorst rose up for her fourth kill of the set to earn set point, 24-21, and Reilly ended the set at 25-22 with a kill.&nbsp;Set 2: Beason scored six of the Huskers' first seven points via five kills and a block as NU went up 7-3. Jackson and Batenhorst added kills, and Choboy served an ace to make it 10-6. Rutgers fought back to within one, 11-10, but Murray answered with a kill and a solo block, and Beason and Mendelson added a block for a 14-10 advantage. Kills by Batenhorst and Beason added to the lead, and a block by Beason, Jackson and Batenhorst made it 19-12 Big Red. Batenhorst tallied four kills down the stretch as the Huskers pulled away to win 25-15.&nbsp;Set 3: The Huskers bolted to a 13-2 lead out of the gates. Batenhorst and Jackson sparked the Huskers as Batenhorst had two kills and two blocks and Jackson posted three kills and a block. A kill by Murray and ace by Choboy pushed the lead to 17-4. Nebraska went on to finish the sweep, 25-12.&nbsp;Up Next: Nebraska is on the road next week, visiting No. 13 Penn State on Friday (7:30 p.m. CT) and Rutgers on Sunday (Noon CT).&nbsp;

Huskers sweep Rutgers

Freshman Eli Rice had 18 points to lead five Huskers in double figures, as Nebraska took control in the second half of an 84-53 win over Doane Sunday evening at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Rice hit 7-of-14 shots from the floor, including a trio of 3-pointers, as a short-handed Husker team pulled away after halftime. Nebraska, which was down to five scholarship players available after a first-half injury to Keisei Tominaga, shot 57 percent from the floor and outscored Doane, 46-26 after halftime

C.J. Wilcher and Sam Hoiberg added 15 points, each, combining to hit 13-of-18 shots from the field, while Jarron Coleman and Brice Williams added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Nebraska, which had just one player taller than 6-7, shot 53 percent on the night and forced 16 Doane turners which led to 21 points. Hoiberg had four steals and was one of four players with multiple steals in the win.

Coleman scored seven of his nine second-half points in a decisive 17-2 spurt that turned a 38-32 lead into a 21-point cushion, at 55-34, with 13:24 remaining. The Huskers eventually stretched the margin to 35 before cruising to 31-point win.

Cam Binder led Doane with 12 points, including four 3-pointers, while River Johnston added 10 markers. The Tigers shot just 33 percent and were outrebounded 41-31.

The Huskers will return to Pinnacle Bank Arena on Monday on Nov. 6, taking on Lindenwood to open their regular season. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (CT) on B1G+ and radio coverage provided by Huskers Radio Network. Tickets are available by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets or calling 800-8-BIGRED during business hours (8-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFreshman Eli Rice had 18 points to lead five Huskers in double figures, as Nebraska took control in the second half of an 84-53 win over Doane Sunday evening at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Rice hit 7-of-14 shots from the floor, including a trio of 3-pointers, as a short-handed Husker team pulled away after halftime. Nebraska, which was down to five scholarship players available after a first-half injury to Keisei Tominaga, shot 57 percent from the floor and outscored Doane, 46-26 after halftimeC.J. Wilcher and Sam Hoiberg added 15 points, each, combining to hit 13-of-18 shots from the field, while Jarron Coleman and Brice Williams added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Nebraska, which had just one player taller than 6-7, shot 53 percent on the night and forced 16 Doane turners which led to 21 points. Hoiberg had four steals and was one of four players with multiple steals in the win.Coleman scored seven of his nine second-half points in a decisive 17-2 spurt that turned a 38-32 lead into a 21-point cushion, at 55-34, with 13:24 remaining. The Huskers eventually stretched the margin to 35 before cruising to 31-point win.Cam Binder led Doane with 12 points, including four 3-pointers, while River Johnston added 10 markers. The Tigers shot just 33 percent and were outrebounded 41-31.The Huskers will return to Pinnacle Bank Arena on Monday on Nov. 6, taking on Lindenwood to open their regular season. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (CT) on B1G+ and radio coverage provided by Huskers Radio Network. Tickets are available by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets or calling 800-8-BIGRED during business hours (8-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.)

Huskers open exhibition play with 84-53 win

Newcomers Natalie Potts and Darian White produced impressive Pinnacle Bank Arena debuts to lead the Nebraska women's basketball team to an 83-47 exhibition victory over Dakota Wesleyan on Sunday.

Potts, a freshman from O'Fallon, Mo., led the Huskers with 15 points while adding eight rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. Potts hit 7-of-12 shots from the floor, while pitching in two steals and an assist.

White, a graduate transfer from Montana State, ignited Nebraska from the tip, scoring six points including a game-opening three-pointer in a 14-0 run to open the game. The 5-6 guard from Boise, Idaho, finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and game highs of eight assists and four steals.

Senior Annika Stewart put three Huskers in double figures with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while graduate student Jaz Shelley contributed eight points and junior Alexis Markowski pitched in six points and game highs of 12 rebounds and four blocks.

All 11 Huskers scored at least two points and grabbed at least one rebound in the game, as Nebraska hit 42.5 percent (31-73) of its shots from the field, including 9-of-34 three-pointers (.265). The Huskers were also a perfect 12-for-12 at the free throw line. NU won the battle of the boards, 50-35, including 19 offensive rebounds.

Nebraska held Dakota Wesleyan to 29.3 percent (17-58), including just 4-of-23 threes (.174). The Tigers hit 9-of-13 free throws. The Huskers committed just 12 turnovers while forcing 19 on DWU.

The Huskers led 24-13 at the end of a first quarter that featured eight points and four assists from White, who teamed with Shelley for back-to-back threes to open the game. The Huskers led 17-2 early with five three-point possessions, before DWU battled back.

Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter, as the Huskers took a 32-21 lead to halftime.

Nebraska erupted again in the third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 30-11 to build a 62-32 edge after 30 minutes.

Rylee Rosenquist led Dakota Wesleyan with 17 points and three assists, while freshman Emma Yost contributed five points and a team-high nine rebounds in her college debut for the Tigers.

The Huskers open the regular season by playing host to Northwestern State on Monday, Nov. 6. Tip-off is set for noon following the Nebraska Life Skills Sportsmanship Pep Rally, which begins at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp;

Doors to Pinnacle Bank Arena will open at 11 a.m. for fans planning to attend the game. Season tickets, Starting Five Packs and single-game tickets are available now at Huskers.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698667320286.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNewcomers Natalie Potts and Darian White produced impressive Pinnacle Bank Arena debuts to lead the Nebraska women's basketball team to an 83-47 exhibition victory over Dakota Wesleyan on Sunday.Potts, a freshman from O'Fallon, Mo., led the Huskers with 15 points while adding eight rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. Potts hit 7-of-12 shots from the floor, while pitching in two steals and an assist.White, a graduate transfer from Montana State, ignited Nebraska from the tip, scoring six points including a game-opening three-pointer in a 14-0 run to open the game. The 5-6 guard from Boise, Idaho, finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and game highs of eight assists and four steals.Senior Annika Stewart put three Huskers in double figures with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while graduate student Jaz Shelley contributed eight points and junior Alexis Markowski pitched in six points and game highs of 12 rebounds and four blocks.All 11 Huskers scored at least two points and grabbed at least one rebound in the game, as Nebraska hit 42.5 percent (31-73) of its shots from the field, including 9-of-34 three-pointers (.265). The Huskers were also a perfect 12-for-12 at the free throw line. NU won the battle of the boards, 50-35, including 19 offensive rebounds.Nebraska held Dakota Wesleyan to 29.3 percent (17-58), including just 4-of-23 threes (.174). The Tigers hit 9-of-13 free throws. The Huskers committed just 12 turnovers while forcing 19 on DWU.The Huskers led 24-13 at the end of a first quarter that featured eight points and four assists from White, who teamed with Shelley for back-to-back threes to open the game. The Huskers led 17-2 early with five three-point possessions, before DWU battled back.Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter, as the Huskers took a 32-21 lead to halftime.Nebraska erupted again in the third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 30-11 to build a 62-32 edge after 30 minutes.Rylee Rosenquist led Dakota Wesleyan with 17 points and three assists, while freshman Emma Yost contributed five points and a team-high nine rebounds in her college debut for the Tigers.The Huskers open the regular season by playing host to Northwestern State on Monday, Nov. 6. Tip-off is set for noon following the Nebraska Life Skills Sportsmanship Pep Rally, which begins at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp;Doors to Pinnacle Bank Arena will open at 11 a.m. for fans planning to attend the game. Season tickets, Starting Five Packs and single-game tickets are available now at Huskers.com.

Huskers shine in exhibition win

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

The season came to an end Saturday afternoon for the North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball Team. The Knights fell 3-2 after duking it out with Central Community College in a down-to-the-wire match for the NJCAA Region 9 championship.

The nail-biting action got started in set one. The Raiders jumped out to a three-point lead but didn’t hold it for long. The Knights crept back and evened things up 5-5 – the first of 14 ties that would happen over the course of the game. The teams remained neck and neck from then on – with the lead switching hands 10 times. The score was tied 25-25, 26-26, 27-27 and 28-28 before Central finally clinched the win 30-28.

The back-and-forth action continued with the opponents remaining within a point or two of each other throughout the second set. The game had tied eight times by the 8-8 mark. The Knights were finally able to use a four-point run to distance themselves, but the Raiders caught back up and tied the score again 14-14.

Central took the lead on the next volley and clung to it, with North Platte trailing by two. The Knights stopped the Raiders at set point twice, but ultimately it was Central that closed out the frame 25-23.

The third set started out as a repeat of the previous two with the Raiders pulling out in front early on. The Knights refused to go away quietly and turned the tide – pushing past Central to a four-point advantage.

The Raiders chipped away at the deficit and tied things up 12-12. North Platte answered by pulling ahead and going on a four-point run. NPCC’s Vanessa Wood would finish out the game with a kill, 25-20.

North Platte made a case for a fifth set in the next frame. Central grabbed an early lead, but the Knights overtook them 11-10. North Platte lost the advantage on the next volley then mounted a comeback with a four-point run. NPCC would eventually pull ahead 21-16, the biggest deficit of the game. The Knights went on to claim a 25-20 victory and forced the Raiders to set number five.

The Raiders got their second wind in the final frame. They snapped up the lead right out of the gate and didn’t look back. Central secured the win and the Region 9 title 15-9.

Wood notched 33 kills and 23 digs in her final match with the Knights. Jaelyn Dicke came through with 16 kills and 25 digs, and Shamia Grandison had nine kills. Elsie Ottun recorded 33 assists, and Aubrey Grant added another 27. EmiLee Walnofer tallied 27 digs.

“Coming up short in a game like this is really tough, especially coming back from being down two sets,” said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. “Vanessa played a great game today, and offensively we played really well. All of the sets came down to tiny errors, but I’m proud of how we competed.”

The Knights finish out the year 14-21. Central moves to 21-10 overall.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe season came to an end Saturday afternoon for the North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball Team. The Knights fell 3-2 after duking it out with Central Community College in a down-to-the-wire match for the NJCAA Region 9 championship.The nail-biting action got started in set one. The Raiders jumped out to a three-point lead but didn’t hold it for long. The Knights crept back and evened things up 5-5 – the first of 14 ties that would happen over the course of the game. The teams remained neck and neck from then on – with the lead switching hands 10 times. The score was tied 25-25, 26-26, 27-27 and 28-28 before Central finally clinched the win 30-28.The back-and-forth action continued with the opponents remaining within a point or two of each other throughout the second set. The game had tied eight times by the 8-8 mark. The Knights were finally able to use a four-point run to distance themselves, but the Raiders caught back up and tied the score again 14-14.Central took the lead on the next volley and clung to it, with North Platte trailing by two. The Knights stopped the Raiders at set point twice, but ultimately it was Central that closed out the frame 25-23.The third set started out as a repeat of the previous two with the Raiders pulling out in front early on. The Knights refused to go away quietly and turned the tide – pushing past Central to a four-point advantage.The Raiders chipped away at the deficit and tied things up 12-12. North Platte answered by pulling ahead and going on a four-point run. NPCC’s Vanessa Wood would finish out the game with a kill, 25-20.North Platte made a case for a fifth set in the next frame. Central grabbed an early lead, but the Knights overtook them 11-10. North Platte lost the advantage on the next volley then mounted a comeback with a four-point run. NPCC would eventually pull ahead 21-16, the biggest deficit of the game. The Knights went on to claim a 25-20 victory and forced the Raiders to set number five.The Raiders got their second wind in the final frame. They snapped up the lead right out of the gate and didn’t look back. Central secured the win and the Region 9 title 15-9.Wood notched 33 kills and 23 digs in her final match with the Knights. Jaelyn Dicke came through with 16 kills and 25 digs, and Shamia Grandison had nine kills. Elsie Ottun recorded 33 assists, and Aubrey Grant added another 27. EmiLee Walnofer tallied 27 digs.“Coming up short in a game like this is really tough, especially coming back from being down two sets,” said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. “Vanessa played a great game today, and offensively we played really well. All of the sets came down to tiny errors, but I’m proud of how we competed.”The Knights finish out the year 14-21. Central moves to 21-10 overall.

Season ends for Knights Volleyball

Senior Cecelia Ossi shot a 598 in the air rifle to tie the NU program record on Sunday against No. 1 West Virginia. The record was set by sophomores Emma Rhode and Tori Watts last season against Alaska-Fairbanks.

The No. 3 Nebraska rifle team fell to the Mountaineers by a score of 4,732-4,722. NU’s score is the fourth highest in school history.

“The team recovered well after a disappointing match the day before,” Head Coach Mindy Miles said. “Today went a lot better for the team. Smallbore was consistent and air rifle had some standout performances.”

Ossi finished in second overall with an aggregate score of 1,185. Watts posted a 1,183 to place third. Rhode (1,180) rounded them out in sixth.

Ossi’s record score led her to a first-place finish in the air rifle, her third this season. Watts tied for second with a score of 596.

Rhode led Nebraska in the smallbore, placing third with a 588. Ossi and Watts tied for fourth with marks of 587.&nbsp;

The Big Red will travel to Charleston, S.C., to face off against The Citadel on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Cecelia Ossi shot a 598 in the air rifle to tie the NU program record on Sunday against No. 1 West Virginia. The record was set by sophomores Emma Rhode and Tori Watts last season against Alaska-Fairbanks.The No. 3 Nebraska rifle team fell to the Mountaineers by a score of 4,732-4,722. NU’s score is the fourth highest in school history.“The team recovered well after a disappointing match the day before,” Head Coach Mindy Miles said. “Today went a lot better for the team. Smallbore was consistent and air rifle had some standout performances.”Ossi finished in second overall with an aggregate score of 1,185. Watts posted a 1,183 to place third. Rhode (1,180) rounded them out in sixth.Ossi’s record score led her to a first-place finish in the air rifle, her third this season. Watts tied for second with a score of 596.Rhode led Nebraska in the smallbore, placing third with a 588. Ossi and Watts tied for fourth with marks of 587.&nbsp;The Big Red will travel to Charleston, S.C., to face off against The Citadel on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Ossi ties Air Rifle record against No. 1 WVU

Elkhorn South 42, Papillion-LaVista South 8

North Platte St. Patrick's 39, Clarkson/Leigh 0

Omaha Skutt Catholic 42, Gross Catholic 14

Omaha Westside 54, Creighton Preparatory School 6

Sandhills/Thedford 52, Lourdes Central Catholic 12

Adams Central 9, Aurora 7Arapahoe 12, Ravenna 6Arthur County 60, Shelton 14Ashland-Greenwood 53, Chadron 14Auburn 36, Ogallala 32Bellevue West 48, Papillion-LaVista 34Bennington 65, Crete 7Blair 21, Plattsmouth 14Boone Central 49, Columbus Lakeview 7Broken Bow 28, Douglas County West 20Central Valley 46, BDS 6Crofton 72, Bridgeport 34Cross County 58, Perkins County 6Dundy County Stratton 48, Twin Loup 14EMF 26, Shelby-Rising City 0Elkhorn North 31, Elkhorn High 21Elkhorn South 42, Papillion-LaVista South 8Elkhorn Valley 36, Plainview 8Fillmore Central 16, Wilber-Clatonia 6Grand Island 29, Kearney 19Hastings 35, Seward 6Hay Springs 66, Hampton 26Howells-Dodge 32, Ainsworth 12Humphrey St. Francis 42, Axtell 8Johnson-Brock 36, Anselmo-Merna 14Kearney Catholic 31, Battle Creek 15Lincoln East 24, Lincoln Southeast 17Malcolm 20, Chase County 12Millard South 38, Lincoln North Star 0Millard West 49, Millard North 14Mitchell 58, Bishop Neumann 20Norfolk Catholic 42, Aquinas Catholic 12Norris 50, Northwest 14North Platte St. Patrick's 39, Clarkson/Leigh 0Oakland-Craig 37, Amherst 6Omaha North 35, Gretna 34 (2OT)Omaha Skutt Catholic 42, Gross Catholic 14Omaha Westside 54, Creighton Preparatory School 6Ord 18, Cedar Catholic 13Parkview Christian 40, Cody-Kilgore 8Pawnee City 55, Sioux County 22Pierce 34, Omaha Roncalli Catholic 14Potter-Dix 58, Red Cloud 14Sandhills/Thedford 52, Lourdes Central Catholic 12Sandy Creek 22, Weeping Water 20Scottsbluff 14, York 0Sidney 28, Gothenburg 14South Loup 62, Lawrence-Nelson 12Stanton 60, Summerland 30Stuart 50, Southwest 33Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 52, Paxton 0Wahoo 46, Scotus Central Catholic 0Waverly 42, Ralston 0Wilcox-Hildreth 39, Garden County 21Wynot 50, Mullen 20

Area playoff Football scores from 10-27

GRANT, NEB. - The Perkins County Plainsmen are in the 2nd round of the NSAA D-1 8 Man football playoffs after defeating the Cambridge Trojans 56-6. The Plainsmen are led by first year Head Coach Brendan Geier. Plainsmen senior Nolan Foster has played in a big role this season for Perkins County. Foster joined Post News Director Canon Rath for the Kwik Stop halftime/post game report during the first round playoff match. This is the conversation the two had.

Perkins County is back in action on Friday when they take on the Cross County Cougars. We will have live coverage of the game on z93.5 Country with Paxton Gordon on the call. Kwik Stop pregame coverage is set to begin a t4:30pm mountain/5:30pm central. Kickoff set for 5:00pm mountain/6:00pm central. You can listen along on 93.5 FM or online at <a href="https://z935country.com/#//">https://z935country.com/</a>

Sandhills PostGRANT, NEB. - The Perkins County Plainsmen are in the 2nd round of the NSAA D-1 8 Man football playoffs after defeating the Cambridge Trojans 56-6. The Plainsmen are led by first year Head Coach Brendan Geier. Plainsmen senior Nolan Foster has played in a big role this season for Perkins County. Foster joined Post News Director Canon Rath for the Kwik Stop halftime/post game report during the first round playoff match. This is the conversation the two had.<div><iframe title="(Audio) Perkins County Senior football player Nolan Foster" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pudk2-14e0b59-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Perkins County is back in action on Friday when they take on the Cross County Cougars. We will have live coverage of the game on z93.5 Country with Paxton Gordon on the call. Kwik Stop pregame coverage is set to begin a t4:30pm mountain/5:30pm central. Kickoff set for 5:00pm mountain/6:00pm central. You can listen along on 93.5 FM or online at <a href="https://z935country.com/#//">https://z935country.com/</a>

(Audio) Perkins County Senior football player Nolan Foster

The North Platte Community College volleyball team was on fire Wednesday night – sweeping the Southeast Community College Bobcats 3-0 in the opening round of the NJCAA Region 9 Postseason Tournament.

The Knights ran away with the first set – pulling out in front early on before shooting ahead to a score of 14-3. NPCC’s offense was powered by strong kills by Vanessa Wood and Shamia Grandison and back-to-back aces by Aubrey Grant. Southeast attempted to mount a comeback toward the end, but it wasn’t enough to catch the Knights who cruised to a 25-10 win.

The Bobcats refused to go down easy in the second set. North Platte claimed the first point after an ace by Jaelyn Dicke. The frame would see four lead changes and seven ties after that until the Knights finally captured the lead for good at the 10-9 mark. NPCC used a run to widen the gap by five points. Another run later on helped to double the deficit to 10. Grandison used a kill to close out the set 25-14.

North Platte jumped out to an early lead in the third set as well. Southeast managed to keep pace and tied the game 5-5 before back-to-back kills by Wood and Grandison returned the advantage to NPCC. Some confusion at the net resulted in a replay about halfway through, but it did little to slow the Knights’ attack, and they continued on a seven-point run.

Grandison managed a tip, kill then block to score three points in a row. The action stalled twice at match point, but a kill by Fatima Gomez ultimately sealed the victory for North Platte 25-17.

“I was really pleased with how we served tonight,” said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. “It allowed us to get them out of system, which helped us run our offense. I thought our middles did well in transition and had some nice swings. This will give us some momentum going into Saturday.”

Wood led the offense for the Knights with 10 kills, and Dicke followed that up with eight more. Grant had 18 assists on the night, and Elsie Ottun recorded 16. EmiLee Walnofer added 19 digs.

The tournament continues Saturday in Columbus where the Knights will take on Central Community College in the championship round. First serve is slated for 2 p.m. A livestream will be available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.stretchinternet.com/centralcccolumbus/" target="_blank">portal.stretchinternet.com/centralcccolumbus/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698329273976.jpeg" alt="Shamia Grandison" />
 <figcaption>Shamia Grandison</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe North Platte Community College volleyball team was on fire Wednesday night – sweeping the Southeast Community College Bobcats 3-0 in the opening round of the NJCAA Region 9 Postseason Tournament.The Knights ran away with the first set – pulling out in front early on before shooting ahead to a score of 14-3. NPCC’s offense was powered by strong kills by Vanessa Wood and Shamia Grandison and back-to-back aces by Aubrey Grant. Southeast attempted to mount a comeback toward the end, but it wasn’t enough to catch the Knights who cruised to a 25-10 win.The Bobcats refused to go down easy in the second set. North Platte claimed the first point after an ace by Jaelyn Dicke. The frame would see four lead changes and seven ties after that until the Knights finally captured the lead for good at the 10-9 mark. NPCC used a run to widen the gap by five points. Another run later on helped to double the deficit to 10. Grandison used a kill to close out the set 25-14.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698329352909.jpeg" alt="Sydney Spillane" />
 <figcaption>Sydney Spillane</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte jumped out to an early lead in the third set as well. Southeast managed to keep pace and tied the game 5-5 before back-to-back kills by Wood and Grandison returned the advantage to NPCC. Some confusion at the net resulted in a replay about halfway through, but it did little to slow the Knights’ attack, and they continued on a seven-point run.Grandison managed a tip, kill then block to score three points in a row. The action stalled twice at match point, but a kill by Fatima Gomez ultimately sealed the victory for North Platte 25-17.“I was really pleased with how we served tonight,” said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. “It allowed us to get them out of system, which helped us run our offense. I thought our middles did well in transition and had some nice swings. This will give us some momentum going into Saturday.”Wood led the offense for the Knights with 10 kills, and Dicke followed that up with eight more. Grant had 18 assists on the night, and Elsie Ottun recorded 16. EmiLee Walnofer added 19 digs.The tournament continues Saturday in Columbus where the Knights will take on Central Community College in the championship round. First serve is slated for 2 p.m. A livestream will be available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.stretchinternet.com/centralcccolumbus/" target="_blank">portal.stretchinternet.com/centralcccolumbus/</a>.

Knights clear first round of postseason tourney

Even when they're not playing their best, the Colorado Avalanche find ways to keep winning.

Mikko Rantanen scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and had three assists as the Avalanche beat the New York Islanders 7-4 on Tuesday night for their NHL-record 15th straight road win.

Ryan Johansen scored twice, Cale Makar had a goal and an assist, and Bowen Byram, Nathan MacKinnon and Ross Colton also scored for Colorado, which won its sixth straight to open the season. Valeri Nichushkin had two assists, and Alexandar Georgiev stopped 27 shots to also improve to 6-0-0 this season.

After&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/col-nyi-rantanen-scores-goal-against-islanders-6339807867112">Rantanen put the Avalanche ahead</a>&nbsp;with under eight minutes remaining, they sealed the win with two empty-net goals in the final minute.

“It was a shooter’s night on both sides, a little bit of a strange game,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “But I did like the way we capitalized late. ... We are fortunate to be 6-0. The guys realize that. We are still trying to improve.”

The Avalanche's winning streak, which includes the last 11 road games of last season, topped the previous mark of 14 set by Buffalo bridging the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. They also matched the 2013-14 team for the best start (6-0-0) since moving to Colorado before the 1995-96 season — one win behind the 1985-86 Quebec Nordiques for tops in franchise history.

“We had a lot of chances and we were rewarded with a team win," Colton said. “This was another step in the right direction. For us, it’s all about focus.”

Cal Clutterbuck had a goal and an assist, Kyle Palmieri and Simon Holmstrom also scored, and Noah Dobson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each had two assists as the Islanders lost their third straight (0-2-1). Ilya Sorokin finished with 34 saves.

“Down one with a minute left,” Anders Lee said, “that’s a good hockey team over there and we did a lot of things tonight that were good but not enough obviously.”

By VIN A. CHERWOO AP Sports WriterEven when they're not playing their best, the Colorado Avalanche find ways to keep winning.Mikko Rantanen scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and had three assists as the Avalanche beat the New York Islanders 7-4 on Tuesday night for their NHL-record 15th straight road win.Ryan Johansen scored twice, Cale Makar had a goal and an assist, and Bowen Byram, Nathan MacKinnon and Ross Colton also scored for Colorado, which won its sixth straight to open the season. Valeri Nichushkin had two assists, and Alexandar Georgiev stopped 27 shots to also improve to 6-0-0 this season.After&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/col-nyi-rantanen-scores-goal-against-islanders-6339807867112">Rantanen put the Avalanche ahead</a>&nbsp;with under eight minutes remaining, they sealed the win with two empty-net goals in the final minute.“It was a shooter’s night on both sides, a little bit of a strange game,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “But I did like the way we capitalized late. ... We are fortunate to be 6-0. The guys realize that. We are still trying to improve.”The Avalanche's winning streak, which includes the last 11 road games of last season, topped the previous mark of 14 set by Buffalo bridging the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. They also matched the 2013-14 team for the best start (6-0-0) since moving to Colorado before the 1995-96 season — one win behind the 1985-86 Quebec Nordiques for tops in franchise history.“We had a lot of chances and we were rewarded with a team win," Colton said. “This was another step in the right direction. For us, it’s all about focus.”Cal Clutterbuck had a goal and an assist, Kyle Palmieri and Simon Holmstrom also scored, and Noah Dobson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each had two assists as the Islanders lost their third straight (0-2-1). Ilya Sorokin finished with 34 saves.“Down one with a minute left,” Anders Lee said, “that’s a good hockey team over there and we did a lot of things tonight that were good but not enough obviously.”Lee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/col-nyi-lee-scores-goal-against-avalanche-6339807863112">tied the score 4-4 early in the third period</a>&nbsp;with a persistent effort. After getting knocked down by Johansen in the offensive zone and losing the puck, the Islanders' captain got up, stole the puck back from Johansen, skated to the high slot and fired a shot past Georgiev for his first of the season at 4:40.Rantanen then gave the Avalanche their fourth lead of the night as he beat Sorokin from the right circle and for his team-high fifth of the season with 7:47 remaining.Johansen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/col-nyi-johansen-scores-goal-against-islanders-6339812121112">got an empty-netter</a>&nbsp;with 1 minute to go and Colton got credit for another with 31 seconds left when Brock Nelson's backward pass off a faceoff went all the way down the ice into the open net.“We were not perfect but our confidence is growing as a group," Johansen said. “We can execute better and we will keep working on sharpening that up.”Trailing 2-1 after 20 minutes, the Islanders tied it early in the second period as Palmieri got a pass down low from Mathew Barzal, skated toward the middle in front of Georgiev, turned a fired a shot past the goalie for his second at 2:56. It was the Islanders' second goal on 12 power plays this season.Holmstrom then put the Islanders ahead at 4:05 as he beat Georgiev from the left circle for his first.The Avalanche took the lead with two goals in an 11-second span in the final minute of the period. First, Byram fired a shot from up high between the circles through traffic with 42 seconds remaining. MacKinnon then put Colorado ahead when he beat Sorokin from the left circle.“The meat of the second period was great, bad minute in the end,” Lee said. “Couple of bad bounces and they buried their shots.”The Avalanche outshot the Islanders 17-6 in the opening period and got on the scoreboard first just 21 seconds into their first power play of the night. Johansen got a cross-ice pass from Rantanen and scored on a one-timer from the left circle at 5:19 of the first period for his third of the season.The Islanders tied it just past the midpoint of the period as Clutterbuck deflected Dobson's shot from center point past Georgiev for his first of the season.Makar put the Avalanche back ahead as he skated into the left circle and put a backhander past Sorokin for his third with 7:08 left in the opening period.STREAKSNichushkin extended his point streak to five games (one goal, five assists). ... Rantanen pushed his point streak to four games (three goals, five assists). ... Dobson has a four-game point streak (one goal, four assists).UP NEXTAvalanche: At Pittsburgh on Thursday night in the second of a three-game trip.Islanders: Host Ottawa on Thursday night to wrap up a two-game homestand.