Men's Basketball

Seniors Propel Huskers to 97-69 Rout of Texas A&M

Feb. 28, 2001

Cookie Belcher scored all 16 of his points in the second half, including six in an 11-2 second-half run, as Nebraska improved to 14-14 on the season with a 97-69 victory over Texas A&M in front of 8,847 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Wednesday evening.

Belcher, one of five Huskers seniors playing their final regular-season home contest, was one of four NU players to finish in double figures as Nebraska improved to 7-8 in Big 12 play.

After Texas A&M (10-18, 3-12) closed to within 11 at 61-50, Belcher triggered the Husker spurt with consecutive three-pointers from the corner, as he finished four of eight from beyond the arc. The fifth-year senior from Mexico, Mo., also moved into third place on the NCAA steals chart with 348, passing Bonzi Wells, who finished his career with 347 steals. He also had a season-high nine assists before exiting to a standing ovation with 2:33 remaining.

In addition to Belcher, senior center Kimani Ffriend also turned in a sensational performance, finishing with a career-high 28 points, including 10 of 15 from the foul line, and 12 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the season, while Steffon Bradford added 22 points, on 11 of 15 shooting, and nine rebounds.

In all, NU's seniors combined for 74 of the Huskers' season-high 97 points, the most since scoring 98 against Missouri on Feb. 7, 1996.

Nick Anderson led Texas A&M with 19 points to lead three Aggies in double figures.

Nebraska closes out the regular season this Saturday, March 3, when the Huskers travel to Iowa State for a 3 p.m. contest with the Cyclones. The game will be televised on Ch. 10/11 in Lincoln and Ch. 3 in Omaha.

Source: University of Nebraska Sports Information