Northwestern holds off Nebraska for 1st Big Ten win

[January 13, 2020]  Graduate transfer Pat Spencer had 14 points and eight rebounds to lead Northwestern to its first Big Ten victory of the season, 62-57 over visiting Nebraska on Saturday in Evanston, Ill.

Spencer -- who was the national player of the year in lacrosse last spring for Loyola Maryland -- made 6 of 12 shots from the field, including 2 of 3 from behind the arc.

The Cornhuskers (7-9, 2-3 Big Ten) were led by Cam Mack, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Haanif Cheatham added 10 points.

Northwestern's Miller Kopp had a game-high 15 points, while Robbie Beran had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The teams traded baskets for most of the first 10 minutes until Northwestern (6-9, 1-4) made a run after holding a 20-18 lead. The Wildcats went on a 22-6 spurt and took a 42-27 lead into halftime.

Spencer led the team with 12 points in the first half. Kopp and Beran each had two 3-pointers and had eight points at the break.

Nebraska started the second half on a strong note, cutting the lead to single digits at 47-39 before the first media timeout.

Northwestern was sitting with a 60-48 lead with less than four minutes to go before Nebraska rallied one more time with a 9-0 run on a trio of 3-pointers from Matej Kavas, Kevin Cross and Cam Mack, whose shot with 51 seconds left cut the deficit to 60-57.

Northwestern Wildcats guard Pat Spencer (12) reacts after making a three point basket against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska had a chance to tie the game after Northwestern missed a shot on its end, but Dachon Burke's 3-point attempt was an air ball. Kopp made two free throws with nine seconds left for the final margin.

Despite having eight healthy scholarship players, the Wildcats had a big size advantage over the Cornhuskers. Northwestern played six players over 6-foot-7.

--Field Level Media

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