Thu Dec 26 02:00:00 UTC 2024: **Nebraska Huskers Advance to Diamond Head Classic Championship Game**
HONOLULU, HI – The Nebraska Huskers men’s basketball team will face Oregon State in the championship game of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic on Christmas Day, after a dominant semifinal victory. The game, set for 7:30 p.m. CT, will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
Fueled by career-high performances from Brice Williams (32 points) and Juwan Gary (season-high 21 points), Nebraska defeated the host Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors 69-55 on Monday. Williams’ scoring outburst, including a career-high tying four three-pointers, and Gary’s efficient shooting propelled the Huskers to a second-half surge, where they shot 59 percent from the field. The win snapped a five-game losing streak against Hawai’i and marks Nebraska’s first appearance in the Diamond Head Classic championship game.
Nebraska’s strong performance builds upon Williams’ consistent scoring prowess this season, placing him third in the Big Ten with an average of 19.2 points per game. Gary’s contributions are also noteworthy, averaging 14.2 points per game over the last five games.
Oregon State, their opponent in the final, secured their spot after a thrilling 80-74 overtime victory against Oakland. Liutauras Lelevicius led the Beavers with 17 points and nine rebounds.
The championship game marks Nebraska’s third Christmas Day game and a chance for Head Coach Fred Hoiberg to secure his second Diamond Head Classic title. A win would also mark Nebraska’s first tournament title since 2000. The game will be broadcast on the Huskers Radio Network as well, with pregame coverage starting an hour before tipoff.
First Piper 