Diamond Head Classic from Honolulu, HI
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are in the consolation bracket of the Diamond Head Classic after their 66-58 loss to host Hawaii, early Tuesday morning from Honolulu. The game tipped off at midnight, CT. Aaron Valdes scored 15 points and Isaac Fleming 10 for. The Huskers will face Loyola-Marymount next.
Hawaii opened on an 8-0 run, but Nebraska tied it at 11 on a three-pointer by Walter Pitchford. NU grabbed the lead briefly, but Hawaii closed out the first half on an 11-4 run to take a 34-23 lead at halftime. The Cornhuskers shot 30 percent from the field, only 50 percent from the free-throw line and committed 11 turnovers.
The Huskers opened the second half with a 10-2 run and tied the game at 38 on a three-pointer again from Pitchford with 14:22 to play. Another Pitchford three and a jumper by Benny Parker gave NU a 43-40 lead, but the Rainbow Warriors went on an 8-0 run and never looked back.
Nebraska was assessed a technical foul prior to the start of the game for dunking during pregame warm-ups, which is not allowed by NCAA rules during the final 20 minutes before tip-off. Garrett Nevels shot and made both free throws to give Hawaii a 2-0 lead before the opening tip.