Sandfort Scores 25: Nebraska Beats Providence 67-58

Nebraska men’s basketball did not need a hot night from the three-point line to pick up its second win. Pryce Sandfort supplied 25 points, and the Huskers held Providence to 30.6% shooting in a 67-58 victory Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Sandfort made 9 of 14 shots, including three three-pointers, and went 4-for-4 at the foul line. He also contributed four assists and three steals as Nebraska improved to 2-0. Providence fell to 1-1. The Le Moyne opener was the first win.

The Huskers led 30-25 at halftime and stretched their advantage to 16 with 2:25 remaining. They outscored the Friars 37-33 after the break.

Four Huskers reach double figures

Boden Kapke gave Nebraska 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting and grabbed five rebounds. Braden Frager added 12 points and four steals, while Cale Jacobsen finished with 11 points, including seven free throws.

Taj DeGourville had seven of Nebraska’s 15 assists. Damon Wilkinson contributed six points and a team-high seven rebounds off the bench.

Nebraska shot 44.9% overall, but made just 5 of 24 three-point attempts. Sandfort accounted for three of those five makes. The Huskers found other ways to score, finishing with a 30-22 advantage in the paint and making 18 of 24 free throws.

Providence’s extra chances aren’t enough

The Friars collected 15 offensive rebounds and outscored Nebraska 20-5 on second-chance points. Providence held a 33-31 edge on the glass.

Nebraska countered with 12 steals and a 20-12 advantage in points off turnovers. Providence committed 18 turnovers and finished 7-for-38 from three-point range.

Leonardo Marangon led the Friars with 12 points. Devin Vanterpool added 11.

The takeaway for Nebraska: a cold perimeter shooting night did not decide the result. Sandfort’s efficient scoring, three more double-figure scorers and Providence’s shooting struggles gave the Huskers enough to leave Connecticut unbeaten.

Husker Nation, Wednesday against Lindenwood at Pinnacle Bank Arena tells us whether a cold night from three is still enough.