3 takeaways from Nebraska basketball’s win over West Georgia

The Nebraska basketball team was back in the Vault on Monday night. Like any Monday, it took a minute for the Huskers to warm up, but once they did, they won without much drama over Western Georgia 86-53.

West Georgia is ranked by Kempom as one of the worst teams in college basketball, so it’s not a win fans will remember much about as the season goes along.

The Huskers only scored 30 points in the first half. Some players struggled to start, including Pryce Sandfort, who missed his first five 3-point attempts. Connor Essegian was 1 of 7 from 3-point range, yet the Huskers still made double-digit 3-pointers (10).

Nebraska controlled the second half as expected and pulled away for an easy win. Rienk Mast had a double-double in his return. Jamarques Lawrence stood out in his first game back (after transferring), connecting on five treys and scoring 18 points. He also dished out six assists compared to one turnover. Braden Frager scored 22 points in 22 minutes off the bench.

Here are three takeaways from the 86-53 for Nebraska basketball over West Georgia.

A sluggish start

Nebraska trailed for a good chunk of the first half before a late run allowed the Huskers to go in front. From there, they extended their lead and pulled away, as they should.

Mast finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Nebraska basketball scored 86 points, despite shooting 31 percent from deep. Nebraska needs to minimize the scoring lapses, and it will.

It seems like some of that can be explained away with jitters. Mast, Sandfort, and Essegian made 1-of-14 shots from beyond the arc. That won’t happen again.

Back like he never left

Lawrence was missed last season. His on-ball defense, playmaking ability, and 3-point shooting were all missed as the Huskers cycled through point guards.

In 26 minutes, he made six field goals (five 3-pointers), dished out six assists, and scored 18 points. It was just one game, but Lawrence was exactly what Nebraska was missing at point guard last season. He also had just one turnover.

Nebraska did what it was supposed to do

The Huskers held West Georgia to 29 percent from the field and 17 percent from 3-point range (4-of-24). Nebraska doubled them up in the second half.

The shots will fall eventually. Don’t expect Nebraska to shoot 31 percent from 3-point range. Their shooters are too good. What was encouraging was the defense. West Georgia turned it over 11 times and was held under 30 in each half. The opponent certainly matters.

But it was a solid defensive effort for game one.

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