Nebraska bullies Murray State 66-49 to open the Diamond Head Classic
After flying 11 hours to Honolulu, Hawaii, Nebraska needed to open the 2024 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic with a bang against Murray State on Sunday night.
Behind a dominant defensive effort and physical play on both ends of the floor, the Huskers advanced to the semifinals of the winner’s bracket with a 66-49 victory.
The defense set the tone from the opening tip, as NU held the Racers to just 14 points on 14.1 percent shooting from the field in the first half. That marked the fewest points ever scored in a half at the Diamond Head Classic.
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That allowed Nebraska to take a 20-point lead into halftime, and the Huskers never looked back. The Huskers led by double figures for the entire second half, going up by as many as 23.
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However, MSU pulled within 61-49 on a three by Kylen Milton with 3:33 remaining. That would be Murray State’s final points of the game.
Connor Essegian hit five 3-pointers for a team-high 15 points, while Andrew Morgan posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. Milton led the Racers with a game-high 19 points.
Nebraska will face tournament-host Hawaii on Monday at 9:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
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