The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

Palmer’s 34 lead Nebraska over Rutgers

- By Andrew Seligman

CHICAGO >> James Palmer Jr. tied a career high with 34 points, and Nebraska beat Rutgers 68-61 in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday.

Palmer matched a personal best set against Ohio State last season and scored 27 in the second half to carry Nebraska.

The Cornhusker­s (17-15) went on a 15-0 run to grab a 10-point lead in the closing minutes on the way to their second straight win after dropping 11 of 13. They are banking on a run in the conference tournament to vault them into the NCAA picture and maybe save coach Tim Miles’ job.

Eugene Omoruyi led Rutgers (14-17) with 16 points. Myles Johnson added 11 points and 11 rebounds, but the Scarlet Knights were one and done this time after winning at least one game in the previous two conference tournament­s.

Nebraska went on a 15-0 run to turn a five-point deficit into a 61-51 lead with 1:30 remaining.

Isaiah Roby started it with a layup with 6:21 remaining and hit two free throws with four minutes left to put Nebraska back on top for the first time since the opening minutes of the half at 52-51.

Palmer then nailed a 3 and Roby drove for a neat scoop layup after a steal by Johnny Trueblood. Palmer then threw down a hard fast-break dunk, getting intentiona­lly fouled from behind by Omoruyi, and Glynn Watson Jr. made two free throws to finish the run.

 ?? NAM Y. HUH — ASSOCIATED PRESS ?? Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell, left, and guard Geo Baker react during the second half Big Ten Conference tournament in Chicago on Wednesday. Nebraska won 68-61.
NAM Y. HUH — ASSOCIATED PRESS Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell, left, and guard Geo Baker react during the second half Big Ten Conference tournament in Chicago on Wednesday. Nebraska won 68-61.

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