A dominating first half had many in Husker nation feeling like Nebrasketball was about to advance in the Big Ten Tournament.
That feeling was quickly erased when Penn State began the second half on a 10-0, eventually outscoring Nebraska by 20 in the final 20 minutes for the 72-66 Nittany Lion win.
The Huskers led by as much as 15 in the first half, thanks in large part to shooting 46 percent and making six 3s. Defensively, Nebraska held Penn State to just 28 percent shooting in the first 20 minutes.
But fouls plagued Nebraska in the second half. The second half saw the Huskers commit 18 fouls, sending Penn State to the line for 24 free throws. They made 20 of them.
Three Huskers scored in double figures, with Trey McGowens leading the way at 13 points. Kobe Webster and Thorir Thorbjarnarson each added 12, with Thor’s points all coming via the 3.
Nebraska ends the season at 7-20.
Postgame Notes via Nebraska Communications
*-Nebraska falls to 5-10 all-time in the Big Ten Tournament and falls to 0-3 all-time against Penn State.
*-Nebraska hit nine 3-pointers tonight and finished the season with 228 on the season. It ranks sixth in school history.
*-Nebraska held Penn State to 35.6 percent shooting, the eighth opponent NU held to 40 percent or less since returning from its pause of Feb. 6
*-Thorir Thorbjarnarson finished with a season-high 12 points, topping his previous high of 10 against Minnesota on Feb. 27.
*-Derrick Walker dished out a team-high six assists, doubling his previous best of three against Illinois on Feb. 12.
*-Kobe Webster finished in double figures for the fourth time in five games with 12 points.
*-The 23 first-half points Nebraska allowed was its 2nd-lowest of 2020-21 (21 vs. North Dakota State)
*-Trey McGowens tied his season high with three steals, as Nebraska had eight on the evening
*-Nebraska shot a 81.8 percent from the line, the third straight game NU shot 75 percent or better to end the season
*-Penn State tied or set NU opponent bests in both free throws made (23) and attempted. Illinois went 22-of-29 on Feb. 25.
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