Connor Essegian’s 29 points and 21 points from Brice Williams paced Nebraska’s 96-79 win over South Dakota Wednesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The 96 points were the most by the Huskers since scoring 100 in a 104-100 loss at North Carolina State on Dec. 1, 2021.
Nebraska never trailed and built a lead as large as 23 points early in the second half, before the Coyotes were able to chip into the deficit, cutting the lead to 13 with just over 12 minutes to play. But Essegian erased any doubt by hitting two free throws then a three-pointer on back-to-back possession and the Huskers cruised in from there to victory.
Essegian was 10-for-22 shooting, including 6-for-15 from beyond the arc, to pace the Nebraska offense. He led an impressive bench scoring effort, in which the Huskers outscored the Coyotes, 51-35. Williams tallied 20 points for the third time in his career. He was an efficient 7-for-11 from the floor including four-for-six from three-point range after hitting four threes in the first five games combined. Braxton Meah added 12 points and five rebounds, while Andrew Morgan notched eight points and a team-leading seven rebounds.
Nebraska is next in action Sunday against North Florida, in the Huskers’ final tune-up before Big Ten play. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 2 p.m. on KLIN.