NICEVILLE, FLA. — Nebraska shot 56.9 percent from the floor, including a sizzing 73.3 percent in the fourth quarter, to remain unbeaten posting an 80-57 victory past Purdue Fort Wayne in the opening round of the Beach Bracket of the Emerald Coast Classic at Northwest Florida State College Monday night.
The Huskers (6-0) will play the winner of the Virginia-Northwestern State game at 7:30 p.m for the championship of the Beach Classic Tuesday.
It marked the fifth game that Nebraska, which is ranked No. 5 in the NCAA in field goal percentage, shot better than 50 percent in a game this season.
There were three ties and seven lead changes before the Huskers made seven of eight shots from the floor in a seven-minute stretch late in the second quarter while closing out the first half on a 13-1 run to enjoy a 38-26 halftime lead.
The Huskers didn’t take their foot off the pedal, extending their lead to 40-26 while forcing the Mastodons to take a time out 33 seconds into the second half.
Sophomore Britt Prince led a balanced Nebraska attack with 18 points, while tying a tournament record with seven assists. Forward Jessica Petrie set a tournament record with three blocked shots.
Nebraska’s bench provided a spark scoring half of the team’s points – 40. Reserves Eliza Maupin added 13 points, while Amiah Hargrove and Logan Nissley chipped in with 11 points apiece. Hargrove led the team with eight rebounds.
Freshman guard Rylee Bess scored a career-high 17 points for Purdue Fort Wayne (3-3), making a career-high five three-point baskets.
The Mastodons shot 38.9 percent from the floor, while committing 18 turnovers that Nebraska turned into 26 points.
