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LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska hit free throws in the final minutes when the Cornhuskers needed them as they survived the season opener against Eastern Illinois, 72-68, in the season opener for both teams.
EIU returns to action on Wednesday night at Western Illinois.
EIU built a 54-48 lead with 9:10 to play in the second half when Montell Goodwin hit a 3-pointer to give the Panthers their biggest lead of the game. EIU was unable to extend that lead as they missed a couple of shots on the offensive end of the floor during a time when Nebraska had gone cold from the floor.
Goodwin was one of three Panthers in double figures finishing with ten points. EIU was 6-of-16 from 3-point range on the night.
Glynn Watson Jr was the offensive hero for the Cornhuskers down the stretch as he tied the game at 54-54 with 5:48 to play in the game.
Watson then had two big runners in the lane that pushed Nebraska's lead to 64-59 with 1:27 remaining. The Cornhuskers struggled to put the game away in that final minute and a half going 2-of-6 from the foul line to allow EIU to extend the game.
Watson then hit four straight free throws as he finished with 21 points hitting 8-of-10 from the foul line.
The Cornhuskers lead 34-33 at the half in a game that had 16 ties and 11 lead changes.  EIU and Nebraska finished tied in rebounds with 43-43. Muusa Dama led EIU with seven rebounds. Jordy Tshimanga had 11 rebounds for Nebraska. Isaiah Roby posted a double-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds.
Terrell Lewis had 13 points for EIU going 3-of-3 from 3-point range. Jajuan Starks had 12 points. Â