Connor Essegian shines with 29 points as Nebraska beats South Dakota

On November 27, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Nebraska Cornhuskers hosted the South Dakota Coyotes in a collegiate basketball matchup. The Cornhuskers secured a notable victory, defeating South Dakota with a score of 96 to 79. This game showcased significant performances from both teams, with Connor Essegian leading Nebraska’s scoring efforts by achieving a career-high 29 points, marking a highlight in his young sporting career. Essegian, who started the game averaging 10.4 points per game, excelled by also adding six 3-pointers to his tally. His connection with teammate Ahron Ulis was particularly striking, as Essegian assisted Ulis on a half-court shot right before halftime, helping Nebraska to a comfortable lead at 54-35. Brice Williams also contributed robustly to the team's offense with 21 points and four 3-pointers. Notably, the Cornhuskers maintained a significant advantage throughout the second half, with their lead never dropping below 12 points and peaking at 23 points during the game. While South Dakota put forth commendable efforts, led by Chase Forte's 20 points and contributions from Dre Bullock and Isaac Bruns with 16 and 12 points respectively, they ultimately fell short against Nebraska's offensive efficiency. Prior to this victory, Nebraska had also recorded a win over No. 14 Creighton, signaling a strong start to their season with a record of 5-1. Their next challenge will come against North Florida on December 1, serving as another opportunity for the Cornhuskers to build momentum leading into their Big Ten Conference play starting against Michigan State on December 7. For South Dakota, who had a record of 6-3 before this game, the focus will shift to their upcoming matchup against Idaho State on December 4, looking to bounce back from this defeat and improve their standings. The game highlighted the strengths of Nebraska’s offense and positioned them favorably as they progress through the season.