Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, November 6, 2014
Three Big Ten hoops teams were in action on Thursday night. Indiana kicked off the night with an impressive 94-70 win over Northwood. Minnesota followed with a 95-68 victory over Minnesota Duluth, while Nebraska closed out the night with a commanding 83-61 win over Southwest Minnesota State.
Here is a fun-filled look at Thursday night's exhibition hoops openers.
Best player: It has to be Nebraska junior forward Shavon Shields. The Huskers' do-it-all swing man finished with a game-high 29 points and nine rebounds in the victory. This guy may very-well be the most underrated player in the Big Ten this season.
Best play: Late in the first half, Yogi Ferrell crossed over his defender and then threw a perfect left-handed alley-oop pass to Hanner Mosquera-Perea for the two-handed slam. Check it out here:
Best stat: After trailing 34-30 at halftime, Nebraska outscored Southwest Minnesota State 53-27 in the second half.
Best newcomer: Is there any doubt? It's Indiana freshman James Blackmon Jr. The Hoosiers' talented guard scored a game-high 26 points and added seven rebounds in the victory. This kid is going to be a special player during his time at Indiana.
Best quote:
"Our guys were really serious, quiet in the locker room. Maybe too serious," Miles said of his team before the game.
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) November 7, 2014
Best Tweet:
The aggressor always wins and Southwest was the aggressor in the first half. We have to take it to them in the second half.
— Tim Miles (@CoachMiles) November 7, 2014
