With the combination of Northwestern’s three-game losing streak, an unacceptable loss to Minnesota Saturday and an upcoming matchup against the team with the worst record in the conference Nebraska, the student section looked a lot different than last Wednesday versus Purdue. A sold out crowd last week, NU was unable to replicate this, as occasional holes were spottable.

Even with the differences, though, NU bounced back after a shaky performance against Minnesota, making easy work of the visiting team Tuesday.

This was highlighted on the first play, and bucket, of the game, as redshirt junior guard Chase Audige received the rock and a screen from senior forward Pete Nance, leading to a top of the key three seconds later. This was accompanied by consistent smooth ball movement, including a five-pass sequence nearing the 10-minute mark resulting in a sophomore Ty Berry trifecta from the right wing. By the end of the half, the team collected 10 assists, five away from their game average.

Behind Nance’s nine points and junior guard Boo Buie and Audige’s eight, the Cats entered the halftime with a lead. However, the team didn’t enter too comfortably, as the Cornhuskers went four-for-four from the field heading into the interlude, bringing the contest to within six, 37-31.

After the break, NU quickly broke away from the Cornhuskers. Started by a Nance jumper, the Akron native followed it up with a three alongside one from Buie, upping their lead to 12. The Cats continued to ride their offensive wave over Nebraska for the most of the second half, maintaining a double digit lead until the two minute mark.

By this time, though, the Cats could turn on cruise control for the remaining time. As the clock struck zero, NU was able to secure the 12 point victory and snap its three game losing streak, winning 77-65.

Takeaways:

1. In the wise words of Finding Nemo’s Dory (with a twist), ‘just keep shooting…just keep shooting…just keep shooting’

Throughout the 2022 campaign, Northwestern has never shied away from shooting the deep ball, taking the fourth most attempts in the Big Ten. This held true against Nebraska, as the Cats took 21 three pointers in the first half, while taking a step back in the second, letting it go 11 times. Knocking down 40 percent of these shots, it’s clear coach Chris Collins and his squad view it as an essential piece to their offensive puzzle.

2. The Buie-Audige-Nance tandem is very, very tough for any team to handle

After the first 20 minutes, the three veterans combined for 25 of the team’s 37 points. By the end of the contest, the group’s offensive rein led the way, as Nance finished with 20, while Buie and Audige dropped 15 apiece. The in-sync performance provided a much-needed boost to the team, as the last time the three scored double-digits in the same game was Feb. 1. Looking to find their groove as a trio and team in preparation for the Big Ten conference and whatever else is to come, the three-headed monster will be a key part to both the offense and defense’s success.

3. Inability to put Nebraska away early may be problematic in future contests

The Cornhuskers’ most impactful player that comes to mind is former five-star recruit Bryce McGowens, who averages the eighth most points in the Big Ten. Even with this talented asset, though, the team currently stands at the bottom of the conference record wise. Of course, NU ranks only two spots ahead of Nebraska in the standings, but with many contests ending in single digits this season, the Cats record doesn’t capture their irregular season. All that said, NU’s six point lead at halftime won’t be enough when facing better teams, especially if a deep Big Ten conference run is the goal.

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— Rapid Recap: Minnesota 77, Northwestern 60