Huskers’ Try For Tie Clanks Short at Clemson, 60-58

Nebraska had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Tai Webster’s runner at the buzzer fell short, as the Huskers suffered a 60-58 loss to Clemson in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge Wednesdaynight.

With 2.8 seconds left, the Huskers had the ball at midcourt and got the ball to Webster, who drove to the foul line, but the ball rolled off allowing the Tigers to escape with a 2-point victory.

Webster, who finished with 12 points and four rebounds, was one of four Huskers (4-3) to finish in double figures, as sophomore Glynn Watson Jr., led all scorers with 20 points, four assists and four steals. NU also got solid play from its posts, as Ed Morrow Jr. finished with 10 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, while Michael Jacobson set season bests in both points (11) and rebounds (seven).

Nebraska trailed 58-54 with 3:16 remaining before a Webster free throw and a 3-pointer by Watson with 1:38knotted the score at 58. On its next possession, Clemson regained the lead on a free throw by Donte Grantham with 1:22 left, but Nebraska had a trio of chances to take the lead.

On the ensuing possession, Gill missed a jumper, but the Huskers got a stop on the defensive end to get the ball back. With under 30 seconds left, Watson had his drive blocked by Jaron Blossomgame, but the Huskers kept possession before a traveling call gave Clemson the ball with 6.7 seconds left. NU fouled Avry Holmes, who split the foul shots to make it a two-point game, setting up a Huskers’ final shot.

Blossomgame led Clemson (4-2) with 15 points, but was the only Tiger to finish in double figures for the winners.

Clemson took the lead midway through the second half, using a 15-5 spurt to turn a 41-36 deficit until a 51-46 advantage after a Sidy Djitte driving basket. The Huskers would not fold, as a Jacobson putback started a 6-2 Husker run, as NU got to within 53-52 with 5:38 remaining and would remain in striking distance the rest of the way.

Nebraska used a strong defensive first half in taking a 31-27 lead at the break. The Huskers held Clemson to 32 percent shooting and out-rebounded the Tigers, 20-19 in the opening stanza.

The Huskers got 17 points from the starting backcourt of Webster and Watson Jr., and seven points from Michael Jacobson, according for 24 of the Huskers’ 31 points.